Chair’s address to solemn meeting dedicated to 30th anniversary of Ukraine’s sovereignty
16 July 2020, 20:00
a concise version
30 years ago, the Ukrainian Parliament made its first and foremost, quite difficult, but very important step towards the creation of an independent Ukraine. The adoption of the Declaration on State Sovereignty does stand on a par with such outstanding events in the history of Ukraine as the Declaration of Independence, the 1 December Referendum and the First Presidential Elections. The Declaration of State Sovereignty is quite a bold document that was made and approved by desperately audacious people, the people who did believe in the future of Ukraine with no guarantees of success. And after the adoption of this very ambitious and daring document, Ukraine's independence has only become a matter of time.
Оn behalf of all Ukrainian people, from today’s and all ensuing generations I want to extend my sincere thanks to those who did in 1990 go for broke by accomplishing this adventurous step.
Starting a matter of great consequence is always difficult and sometimes even dangerous. You did have a lot to lose and be afraid of. But you risked everything, even, perhaps, your own lives and the lives of your loved ones. And you did hold out and you did win!
The Declaration has laid down the principles which the country was and is being built upon: democracy, priority of human rights and freedoms, freedom of speech and religious liberty, the rule of law, independence of governmental decisions, people as the only source of power, peaceful coexistence and cultural development of all nationalities, priority of universal values over class ones.
Subsequently, these principles were enshrined in the Constitution and are, in fact, the basis for the whole body of Ukrainian legislation. And they remain relevant even today and should be followed by every citizen as these principles are that very sound foundation for our statehood.
Today’s Ukraine is changing rather rapidly, but there are eternal verities which are immutable and lie beyond politics’ reach and power. They should be followed by every citizen, we must protect them both through diplomacy and by force of arms. Sovereignty and independence of our state is the fact that can never, in no way, be questioned. The Declaration proclaimed that the territory of Ukraine “within its existing borders is inviolable and cannot be changed or used without its consent". Ukraine did vindicate its sovereignty in 1990 and it would do so now, 30 years later. Our state is integral, united, strong and steadfast in its right to independence.
And the role of the Verkhovna Rada in these processes can hardly be overestimated. The Parliament has always stood and will at all times be standing with the Ukrainian People and the Ukrainian State in the fight for independence and future of the country.
We all must remember that in the most fateful, crucial and critical moments for Ukraine, the Verkhovna Rada did demonstrate the unshakable political will and did make decisions regardless of political flags, slogans and messages.
We all ought to keep in mind that when we are united by a great common goal, we are able to make decisions that can really work for the good of our country, the independent and prosperous country.
Today, the fate of Ukraine is in our hands. So we, the Parliament of Ukraine of the IX convocation, must in name and in deed prove that we are prepared for this great responsibility as you did it 30 years ago!