Ukraine celebrates the 17th Anniversary of Independence

 

On August 24, 1991 Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine (Parliament of Ukraine) declared Ukraine as an independent state. The same year at the referendum 90% of Ukrainians supported the revival of our state.

Because of different reasons patriotic efforts to establish Ukrainian state in the XX century were winning only for limited periods of time. Therefore, the significance of this date for every Ukrainian citizen denotes Ukraine’s state viability.

Perhaps the reason for difficult process of strengthening Ukrainian state is the thorny history of our statehood, which can be observed nowadays as well. At the same time the most important thing is that during the time of Ukrainian independence the new generations grew up for whom the notion “independent Ukraine”became axiomatic together with “national interests”, “human rights”, ”freedom of speech and religion”, “freedom of movement” and “freedom of choice”.

Every year this day marks a new reference point, a measurement of achievements and challenges. And the year 2008 is no exception.

Ukraine celebrates its 17^th Anniversary of Independence with new achievements in domestic and foreign policy.

 

In the sphere of domestic policy the democratic system of power has been established in Ukraine. It is based on European values and democratic traditions, market economy, respect of human rights and freedoms, including the freedom of mass media. The last elections of 2006 and 2007 have been acknowledged by international community as free and fair. Afterward the democratic transmission of power to new coalitions took place. This practically proves effectiveness and stability of Ukrainian political system. 

In Ukraine like in any other democratic state a highly competitive political environment has been developing. Sometimes it leads to high political debates in the Parliament, mass media and society concerning important issues of state policy. However, the main thing is that despite the fact that political process might be rather tense, it stays within constitutional framework, where issues of major importance are passed basing upon political consent. This is doubtless proof of European nature of Ukrainian democracy.

The process of improvement of balance of powers between the President, the Parliament and the Cabinet of Ministers has been continuing. The constitutional reform has been widely discussed during the first half of the year. For this purpose the National Constitutional Board has been created by the President of Ukraine. The discussion on the establishment of a special parliament committee for revision the Constitution of Ukraine has commenced in the Verkhovna Rada. Its working group prepared a draft of Conceptual systematic renovation of constitutional regulations of social relations in Ukraine which should be considered in the nearest future.

Despite tense political discussion in Ukraine and challenging world economy (global increase in price of energy sources, commodities etc) Ukrainian GDP increased by 6,3 % in January – June 2008 and industrial output rose by 7,5%. These facts prove the success of economic reforms and stability of economic development of our county. Foreign direct investment increased by 46,6% in January – March 2008. An important achievement is decreasing of inflation pressure, which amounted to 0,8% in June comparing to 1,3% in May.

 

In the sphere of foreign policy Ukraine has been strengthening its positions as an active player in global and regional international relations. Because of its coherent and foreseeable foreign policy Ukraine is respected in the world and develops mutually beneficial relations with our partners basing on principles of good neighborhood.

Among the key priorities of foreign policy of Ukraine are European and Euro-Atlantic integration with the aim of eventual membership in the European Union and NATO. The wish to join the EU and NATO clearly expresses the interest of Ukrainian people in historical and cultural reunion with European nations. It provides a steady advance to the system of European democratic values.

Ukrainian people believe that successful Eurointergration is the best basis for national security of our country and its stable democratic development. These priorities are inseparable from development of friendly and constructive cooperation with our strategic partners, other states in the region and in the world who consider Ukraine as an equal partner and friendly state. We believe that negotiations on equal basis and respect of partner’s position notwithstanding its weight in global or regional relations are the foundation for international security, peace and prosperity. This basic principle has been and always will be inviolable for our state.

On the eve of the Independence Day – August 24 - Ukrainian people look with the hope into the future. Celebrating this outstanding date in the life of our country which 17 years ago became a beacon for millions of Ukrainians all over the world it is believed in Ukraine that the next years will be successful in strengthening the democratic changes and economic development in our country. It is expected that Ukraine will conclude the new enhanced agreement with the EU, as well as will join the NATO Membership Action Plan and will keep good relations with all international partners in all the spheres of mutual interest.

Celebrating the 17^th Anniversary of Independence of Ukraine it is also believed that a steady democratic development and benevolent attitude of international community prove that the future of our country lies within the united Europe.