EDITORIAL: In the spirit of the season (01/03/93)

EDITORIAL

In the spirit of the season

This is the time of year to reflect on the past, to learn from mistakes and to look forward to the future.

For Ukraine, the past two years have been euphoric, exciting, and often unpredictable. And although the future promises difficult times ahead, it is hoped that the people will find the strength and the stamina to continue laying the bricks for building a democratic, independent, sovereign state.

In a recent Wall Street Journal article dated December 28, Time Carrington sets an optimistic tone for the future of this nation of 52 million. Discussing Ukraine's sober approach to START and its readiness to embrace serious economic reforms, he writes: "If progress on both fronts continues, the U.S. and its allies should use the new year to build much closer ties with Ukraine. ...

"Ukraine, which borders Poland, Czecho-Slovakia, Hungary and Romania aspires to be part of the European fraternity. Those leanings should be encouraged. A stable, westward-looking Ukraine could be a crucial buffer if Russia fragments or slides back into authoritarianism," he writes.

" 'We're more hopeful now about Ukraine than we were two months ago,' " says Wafik Grais, a World Bank specialist for the region.

Ukraine's top government officials are lucid and rational in their approach to the future. Viktor Pynzenyk, Ukraine's deputy prime minister of economic reform, told workers recently: "In order for things to get better, sometimes you have to endure a period of pain, but our government is willing to work with all constructive elements who favor the course of reform."

Prime Minister Leonid Kuchma has defended the recent austerity measures as crucial to the country's survival. "Now the government is forced to take highly unpopular measures and bring prices for a number of goods into line with their costs. If we don't take this burden on ourselves, then tomorrow it will weigh 100 times more heavily on our children."

This week in Ukraine people readied for the approaching New Year and Christmas holidays. A light, tranquil snow lined the cold streets of Kiev; a friend called from the capital and said: "we'll manage."

"We live with the hope of a brighter future, and when a person has hope, everything is possible."

And, in the spirit of this season, the staff of The Weekly would like to take the opportunity to wish our readers and their loved ones much peace and love in the New Year. May the birth of Jesus Christ truly illuminate hope for the future - a better tomorrow for all. "Khrystos Rozhdayetsia - Slavim Yoho." Christ is born - Glory be to Him.

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