24 August 2011, 08:00
Happy Independence Day!
Address of the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine
Dear fellow citizens!
I send my sincere greetings to you on the occasion of the national holiday - anniversary Independence Day of Ukraine. Twenty years has passed since the seminal session of the Verkhovna Rada which went down in history by adoption of the Act of Declaration of Independence of Ukraine.
As the crown of everlasting public aspirations, hopes and efforts, independent Ukraine appeared on the world and European maps peacefully and legitimately. It opened up the prospects of civilized development, due accession to the international community, formation of civil society, and consolidation of universal ideals and values.
Two decades is a mere imperceptible moment from the viewpoint of history. However, they brought about fundamental achievements in state building, and crucial reforms in all spheres of life. New generation of Ukrainians is a sign of completed transformations. These people are not burdened with dogmas and stereotypes; they have their own worldview and national conscience, understanding of domestic and foreign affairs and problems, vision of tasks for the future and ways of their implementation.
Although Ukraine has undeniably asserted itself as a political state, and is being consolidated as a legal state, the stage passed requires strengthening of economic and social components of state building, their orientation towards an individual as the highest social value according to the fundamental constitutional provisions. It is the main target of the authorities and the public and social capacities. There is enough work in this respect, but it is beneficial.
Dear fellow citizens, I wish you optimism, self-confidence and trust in the Motherland, and belief in the better future. May the life and deeds of those who facilitated Ukraine´s independence lend you strength, energy and inspiration!
I wish you happiness, success, and well-being!
Volodymyr LYTVYN