Unofficial translation

 

ADDRESS

of the President of Ukraine to Ukrainians throughout the world and the international community, on the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the 1932-1933 Holodomor in Ukraine

 

I appeal to you on the occasion of commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the Holodomor of 1932-1933 – the most tragic event in the history of Ukrainian people.

 

The truth about the genocide, intentionally perpetrated by Stalin's regime upon the blessed Ukrainian land, has been seeking to find its way out for decades.

 

I wish to pay respect to all who were not silent during those years when Ukraine under Soviet rule was immobilized with fear, and the world preferred a state of blissful ignorance about this horrible crime against humanity.

 

At last, after breaking the chains of communist totalitarianism, independent Ukraine can speak determinedly about this attempt to exterminate the Ukrainian nation in the 1930s.

 

Today, the truth about the Holodomor is accessible to the international community. No longer can it be kept silent. The darkness of Stalin's 1932-1933 night must succumb to a new dawn.

 

The Holodomor is recognized as a crime and has been condemned by many states and international organizations, regional governments, parliaments, and city councils all over the world.

 

We express our deep respect and gratitude for the humanity and solidarity accorded to the memory of the millions of innocent victims of the Holodomor.

 

International support strengthens our confidence that historical justice will prevail and consolidates our will in that pursuit.

 

However, the entire global community needs to realize that it will not be possible to prevent crimes against humanity in the future, should those perpetrated in the past not be denounced.

 

We are not discussing what the world could have done 75 years ago had it been aware of the truth. We are suggesting what the world should do today to honor the memory of those who died and those who managed to survive the Holodomor's hell.

 

On November 22, 2008 in Kyiv millions of candles, lit by Ukrainians in memory of their fellow countrymen killed by starvation, will merge with the light of the "Everburning Candle" that has traveled through 33 countries and all of Ukraine. It has touched the hearts of honest people in different countries and many nations.

 

I call upon all who care about compassion and justice, who strive for the victory of good over evil, to light a candle in memory and together with us remember the victims of the Holodomor.

 

Ukraine Remembers – the World acknowledges!

 

President of Ukraine

Victor YUSHCHENKO