Statements on independence anniversary: Ukrainian Consul General of Ukraine to New York (08/26/01)

THE TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF UKRAINE'S INDEPENDENCE

Statements on independence anniversary

Ukrainian Consul General of Ukraine to New York

Dear Ukrainian Americans,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

On behalf of the Consulate General of Ukraine in New York, I warmly salute you on the occasion of a great holiday, the 10th anniversary of the independence of our country. This is an event that became a turning point in our history and one that fundamentally changed our lives.

Ten years is a mere moment of time in mankind's measurements, however, they became decisive in the fate of our country. Therefore, in commemorating this anniversary our thoughts repeatedly return to the lessons of the first decade of the renewed Ukrainian State. We can appraise them in many ways, but one thing is certain: Ukraine has become an independent and sovereign state and ultimately confirmed itself in that status. This fact has great political and emotional significance for everyone who is of Ukrainian heritage. Specifically, this relates to the fulfillment of the aspirations and expectations of generations of Ukrainians and to the struggle and sacrifice of thousands of patriots. Statehood was paid for dearly and therefore it must be regarded by the highest criteria.

In the 10 years that have passed since the declaration of independence, Ukraine has managed to attain that which other countries have attained in the course of many decades. It has developed into a full-fledged focus of the international community, an influential element of regional stability and an active participant of international associations.

The experience gained by Ukraine in the course of 10 years of independence confirms its foreign policy course of a hopeful means of defense and promotion of national interests of the state in the international arena. Today, foreign policy is an inseparable and essential element of the reform course, one of the instruments in resolving the major task of guaranteeing the economic development of the state and well being of our people.

Therefore, the Ukrainian community in the United States has reasons to be proud of Ukraine .

Taking advantage of this occasion, I would like to once again thank all esteemed representatives of the community for the help and support that we constantly experience and to express our expectation for continued cooperation.

I wish you good health, success and fruitful endeavors for the good of independent Ukraine. Glory to Ukraine!

Serhiy Pohoreltsev
Consul General of Ukraine
New York, NY

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