The 16th Anniversary of Ukraine's Independence

On August 1991 the Ukrainian Parliament, Verkhovna Rada, declared Ukraine's independence. The decision of people's deputies was supported at the national referendum by more than 90% of country's citizens.

Because of different reasons patriotic efforts to establish the Ukrainian state in the XX century were winning only for limited periods of time. Therefore, the significance of this date for every Ukrainian citizen signifies Ukraine's state viability.

Time passed and new generations of Ukrainians grew up. For them the notion "independent Ukraine" became axiomatic together with "human rights", "freedom of speech and religion", "national interests".

Every year this day marks a new reference point, a measurement of achievements and challenges. And the year 2007 is no exception.

Ukraine celebrates its 16th anniversary of independence with new achievements in domestic and foreign policy.

In political sphere the drastically new factor of Ukraine's political life, constitutional reform, laid the ground for harmonization of the Ukrainian law with the world and European democratic standards. Redistribution of the powers between executive and legislative branches is to create the system of effective state management, which is able to conduct political, economic and social reforms, determined by people's will.

Today Ukraine is facing pre-term elections to the national parliament, which are to confirm once more the inevitability of democratic transformations and Ukraine's advancement in strengthening of civil society.

In the first half year of 2007 key economic indicators showed stable positive dynamics: average monthly GDP growth reached 7,9% (one of the highest indicators among the European and CIS countries), the industrial output - 12%, investment growth dynamics - 32,2%. This year Ukraine experienced the lowest level of unemployment - 2,6%.

Our country is at the final stage of its accession process to the WTO, a step that is needed for Ukraine's integration in the world economic system.

Ukraine has strengthened its positions in foreign policy field as an equal subject of international relations. Our state's policy is coherent and foreseeable nowadays. We are building mutually beneficial relations with our partners on the principles of good neighborhood.

This is the concluding year for implementation of the Ukraine-EU Plan of Actions, the roadmap of the Eurointegration-driven reforms in Ukraine. The aim of the Ukrainian state is to provide due implementation of the tasks, assumed by our country under this document. Furthermore, Ukraine and the EU are negotiating the preparation of a new enhanced Agreement and creation of a free trade zone.

Looking back at the one more year of Ukraine's independence, we cannot omit mentioning of winning Ukraine-Poland application to host Euro-2012.

August, 24, - Ukraine's independence day - is the date, which 16 years ago marked the long-aspired starting point for millions of Ukrainians in all parts of the world, which enabled them to look into future with confidence.