LIFTING OF UKRAINE FROM SOVIET-ERA TRADE RESTRICTION HAILED BY WELDON

WASHINGTON - Yesterday, U.S. Rep. Curt Weldon (R-Pa.), co-chair of the Congressional Ukrainian Caucus and founder of the Rada-Congress Study Group, praised the passage of H.R. 1053, which officially lifted Jackson-Vanik restriction from Ukraine. A Soviet-era trade barrier that has hampered U.S.-Ukraine relations since Ukraine's independence in 1991, Jackson-Vanik was finally removed clearing the way for Ukraine's normal trade relations with the United States.

Just this past November, standing beside Ukraine Prime Minister Yuriy Yekhanurov and members of the Congressional Ukrainian Caucus, Weldon called on Congress to lift Jackson-Vanik immediately. "It is time to remove this Cold War dinosaur from the halls of Congress," said Weldon. Days later, the Senate passed a measure elevating Ukraine from Jackson-Vanik and moved the matter to the U.S. House of Representatives.



Congressman Weldon congratulated Ukrainians and the Ukrainian-American community on their hard work during a press conference hosted by Ukrainian diaspora shortly before today's vote. "Today, the leadership of the current Ukrainian government and the persistence of the Ukrainian-American community should be commended for their role in helping Ukraine shed the last remnant of its Cold War past," said Weldon. "You have made today's vote very easy, and should stand proud behind this monumental accomplishment."



Throughout his time in Congress, Weldon has worked with Ukrainian officials from all levels of government and countless Ukrainian diaspora to lift Jackson-Vanik restrictions from Ukraine. "Today's vote closes a shameful chapter in U.S.-Ukraine relations," said Weldon. "Now we can truly say that Ukraine is a full and equal partner of the United States."



Several members of the Ukrainian American community thanked Weldon for his work on this issue. "The Pennsylvania Ukrainian diaspora will never forget Congressman Weldon's friendship and many years of support," said Zenia Czarnyk of Montgomery County, Pa., and member of the Ukrainian Federation of America. Michael Sawkiw, president of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America, thanked Weldon "for his passionate advocacy and staunch support of Ukraine."



Weldon was also keen to point out the impact this vote would have on other countries throughout the world. "This is not just about Ukraine, but about all nations that desire a more free and transparent society," said Weldon. "From Tblisi to Baghdad, today's vote is a message to the world that other countries can follow the way of the "Orange Revolution". Slava Ukraine!"