The U.S. Senate approved the decision to abolish the Jackson-Vanik amendment for Ukraine. 

On March 9, 2006 in the presence of Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Borys Tarasyuk the U.S. Senate at the solemn ceremony approved the decision to abolish the Jackson-Vanik amendment for Ukraine. 

While presenting the bill Senator Mr Richard G. Lugar pointed to Ukraine’s remarkable development after the Orange Revolution. Recalling his meetings with President of Ukraine Viktor Yushchenko and the government of our state the Senator expressed his confidence as to the readiness of the Ukrainian authorities to proceed with ensuring in the country the interethnic peace and freedom of movement for all citizens. Among achievements of Ukraine in 2005 the Senator especially emphasized freedom of speech and political will, granted by new leadership of the country.

Mr Borys Tarasyuk, who attended the session of Senate during the examination of the issue, stressed that this decision represented a positive signal for the all Ukrainian society, the signal of readiness of both countries to deepen significantly the political, trade and economic cooperation.

The approval of the bill by the Senate took place in the course of the consensus voting. As a last step of the procedure of the amendment repeal there will be a signature of the bill by the U.S. President.