The citizens of Ukraine today celebrated their 20th anniversary of their indepenendence.
The unification that Ukraine achieved for the first time in its history was a decisive event in the history of the nation, according to Wikipedia.
US Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton, speaking in Washington, DC, extended the congratulations of President Obama and the people of the United States, to the people of Ukraine on their National Day.
“Twenty years ago, Ukraine emerged from the shadow of the Soviet Union and charted a new path toward democracy and freedom.” -Ms. Clinton
Ms. Clinton said over the last two decades, Ukraine has made democratic advances and important contributions to global peace and stability. She added that supporting and sustaining democracy is never easy. She highlighted that it takes hard work.
“There are roadblocks along the way, but the people of Ukraine have made it clear that they are yearning for greater democratic systems and freedoms.” – Ms. Clinton
She stressed that more than 200 years after the framers of Unkraine’s own Constitution wrote of their desire for a “more perfect union,” the United States is still working towards that goal.
She emphasized that the United States remains committed to helping Ukraine as a partner and friend as you look for ways to promote democratic institutions, encourage greater prosperity, and pursue European integration. She noted that through their Strategic Partnership, both countries will continue to work together on a range of important issues that strengthen not only their government-to-government relations, but also the ties between our peoples.
“Once again, congratulations on this important milestone and best wishes for a year of peace and prosperity.” -Ms. Clinton
Ukraine was engulfed by a worldwide economic crisis in 2008 and the economy plunged. The GDP fell 20% from spring 2008 to spring 2009. Later, it leveled off as analysts compared the magnitude of the downturn to the worst years of economic depression during the early 1990s.
