18 years of independence Ukraine

 

18 years ago on August 24^th, 1991 the Verhovna Rada of Ukraine declared the independence of Ukraine. This became one of the most prominent events of XX century. At the all-national referendum held on December 1, 1991 over 90% of Ukrainian citizens expressed their will and supported the Independence Act adopted by parliamentarians earlier.

That day became a turning point in the history of the Ukrainian nation’s development and a powerful impetus to unification for Ukrainians all over the world, inspiring work for peace and prosperity in our common homeland.

Though we celebrate only the 18^th anniversary of Ukraine’s new Independence, the process of the Ukrainian statehood establishment has more than a thousand-year history. Ukraine is proud of her many fellow countrymen, worldwide known historical figures, who made their important contribution into the world’s history. These are – Princes Volodymyr the Great and Danylo Halytsky, Hetmans (Cossack Chiefs) Petro Sahaydachny, Bohdan Hmelnytsky and Ivan Mazepa, author of the first Ukrainian Constitution Pylyp Orlyk, famous politicians at the turn of XX century Myhailo Hrushevsky and Volodymyr Vynnychenko, Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists - Ukrainian Insurgent Army (OUN-UIA) leaders and plenty of others. They created the history of Ukrainian statehood, full of  struggle for independence, for a chance for a free Ukraine to exist. Beginning from the Kyiv Rus and to contemporary Ukraine our country always possessed qualities of a democratic and European country seeking friendship and accord with other civilized countries.

Though Ukraine was not able to solve all its problems vital for the country during these 18 years we have been able to gradually from the Ukrainian nation with its distinct mentality and culture, language, traditions, history, without discrimination of views, faith or descent. During the years of independence there grew the whole generation of people born in free Ukraine. They consider the concepts of ‘national interests’, ‘human right’, ‘freedom of speech, faith, movement or choice inseparable form the notion of ‘independent Ukraine’.

Ukraine has gone through dramatic changes during the last five years (since the Orange revolution) witnessing fundamental shifts that led to our reassertion as a European democratic nation.

A large amount of work has been accomplished. We are proud that Ukraine established a stable democratic system of power. It is based on European values and democratic traditions, market economy, respect to human rights and freedoms including freedom of the media. The democratic nature of the Ukrainian authorities can be vividly shown by the fact that twice n the last couple of years the opposition parties had come to power as result of free and fair elections. This is a practical evidence of Ukraine’s political system maturity, effectiveness and stability.

Like in other democratic countries, Ukraine is also developing its highly competitive political environment. Sometimes it leads to heated political debates in the parliament, mass media and society on important issues of the national policy. It is important to note though that the hottest political processes are always taking place within the constitutional framework, and fundamental decisions are made on the basis of political consensus. This is an undeniable evidence of Ukrainian democracy’s European nature.

Meanwhile Ukraine is going through the process of improving a balance between various branches of power, chief governmental institutions, President, Verhovna Rada and Cabinet of Ministers. The issue of a constitutional reform related to this process is widely debated in the society.

Despite complex internal political discussion and complicated international economic processes, just prior to the outburst of the global financial crisis Ukrainian economy had the best ratings of its growth in the last couple of years. Starting from 2004 Ukraine has doubled its GDP. International investments in Ukraine increased by 4,5 times – from 8.6 billion US$ to 36 billion. The average monthly salary increased twofold for the same period. Starting form 2005 there have been 1.1 million new jobs created every year.

Unfortunately, like in many other countries, this dynamics was slowed down by the global financial and economic crisis. However, recently we have been noticing evidence that the Ukrainian economy started recovering from the crisis' negative consequences. In June 2009, the gross industrial output grew by 3,1% comparing to May 2009, and in the processing industry production increased by 3%. During the same period, production and distribution of electrical power, natural gas and water increased by 5,2%.

Ukraine continued to strengthen its position internationally as an active participant of global and regional processes. Thanks to the balanced and predictable foreign policy Ukraine enjoys respect of other countries and develops friendly and mutually beneficial relations with its international partners.

The key priorities of the Ukrainian foreign policy remain European and Euro-Atlantic integration focused on acquiring the membership in the EU and NATO. This aspiration reflects our interest to reunite historically and culturally with the community of European nations as a system of advanced democratic values.

We in Ukraine truly believe that successful European integration is the best means of providing our national security, its steadfast democratic and economic development. These priorities are in conjunction with developing very friendly, substantial and equal relations with our strategic partners, other countries of the region and the world which regard Ukraine as an equal partner and a friend. Ukraine has already accomplished a lot in this area.

We may list to the accomplishments Ukraine's accession to WTO in May 2008 and negotiations with the EU to prepare Association agreement, free trade area and visa free regime.

We have drawn a comprehensive business plan to modernize our gas pipeline transit network paving the way for uniting Ukraine's and EU's energy grids and the signing of an Energy cooperation treaty.

Ukraine acceded to the Bologne education process.

Together with Poland we shall host Euro-2012 soccer championship further opening up our economy and tourist attractions to the world.

A genuine watershed in our relations with NATO was the decision of the 2008 Bucharest summit, corroborated by subsequent decisions, to have Ukraine as its future member. Currently, we work on this goal by implementing our annual national programs similar to membership action plan.

We enjoy a high level of strategic partnership with the United States of America. Key bilateral documents were signed last year - Charter on strategic partnership, the Road Map of cooperation priorities, agreement on trade and investments and on research and peaceful exploration of space, as well as a number of commercial contracts. 

The basic institutional mechanisms of bilateral collaboration are the newly created Commission on strategic partnership, Working groups on non-proliferation and export control and on energy security and the Trade and Investments Council.

The United States supports Ukraine in various international fora, including its Euro-Atlantic integration, accession to WTO and membership in the UN Human Rights Council, as well as promoting energy security and investments. In 2008, the bilateral trade volume increased by 1.7 times to 5.7 billion US$ with a balanced export/import ratio.

The US Congress backed Ukraine on a number of important issues including NATO aspirations and the international recognition of the 1932-33 Ukrainian famine-genocide. 

With the arrival of the new US Administration Ukraine-US relations continue to catch up its high dynamics, as testified by the recent visit of Vice-President Joseph Biden and the decision to create the above mentioned strategic partnership Commission.

Washington will further support Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic integration affirming the point that Ukraine is free to take its ultimate decision about NATO membership. Our American friends reiterated their commitment regarding national security assurances extended to Ukraine in accordance with the 1994 Budapest memorandum.

Under the current global financial crisis, the United States assists Ukraine in its constructive dialog with the IMF and the World Bank, notably the stand-by program. Despite this crisis, the trade and investment collaboration between the two countries continue to develop in a meaningful manner.

Energy cooperation is also very pragmatic and result-oriented aimed at engaging American companies to modernizing Ukrainian pipeline system, diversifying sources of nuclear fuel supply and its after-use containment, upgrading safety at our nuclear facilities, decommissioning Chornobyl plant and turning the new sarcophagus into an environmentally safe system.

Ukraine and the USA collaborate actively in preventing proliferation of WMD and in fighting terrorism.

The new US Administration announced its plans to increase the volume of technical assistance to Ukraine from 90 to 120 million US$. Part of this sum will go to support scientific research and joint high tech projects.

Celebrating the 18th anniversary of its independence, Ukraine is assured that its steady democratic progress and a favorable international environment will lead to its gradual integration into a united Europe.