BRAMA, Mar 8, 2006, 7:30 pm ET
Press release
Crowley hails passage of Ukraine trade legislation
Washington, DC – US Congressman Joseph Crowley (D-NY) today announced legislation granting Ukraine permanent normal trade relations status passed in the House.
“The people of Ukraine acted courageously and passionately when they took charge of their nation’s destiny and risked all to do so. This trade legislation rewards the Ukranian citizens who stood up against tyranny, and will herald a new age for this fledgling democracy,” said Crowley, a member of the Financial Services and International Relations committees. “I am very pleased with my colleagues in the House for lifting these trade restrictions.”
The legislation (HR 1053) authorizes President Bush to make permanent normal trade relations with Ukraine, by lifting the restrictions imposed by the Jackson-Vanick amendment to the 1974 Trade Act (PL 93-618). The Jackson-Vanik amendment was put in place in 1974 to punish countries (mainly Eastern Bloc nations) with non-market economies that also restricted emigration rights for Jews.
On Monday, the United States and Ukraine signed a bilateral trade agreement that would be the first step in allowing the former Soviet Republic to join the WTO. Without the lifting of Jackson-Vanick, the U.S.-Ukraine treaty would not go into affect.
Ukraine held Presidential elections in November of 2004, which were deemed fraudulent not only by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, but also by the Ukrainian courts. In response, the people of Ukraine took to the streets in a major peaceful uprising known as the Orange Revolution to show support for democratic candidate Viktor Yushchenko. In December, after the official re-election of the two candidates, President Viktor Yushchenko emerged victorious.
By reforming intellectual property rights, condemning anti-Semitism, and reforming other economic factors, President Yushchenko has brought the Ukraine into Market Economy Status.
Congressman Crowley is also a member of the Congressional Human Rights Caucus.
Copyright © 1997-2011 BRAMA, Inc. All rights reserved.
The images and information contained in BRAMA News and BRAMA Press reports may not be published, broadcast,
rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of BRAMA and/or author/photographer.
The views and opinions of authors expressed on Brama.com do not necessarily state or reflect the views of Brama - Gateway Ukraine or its officers, directors or associates.
|
|
|
|
![[BRAMA Client Websites]](http://www.brama.com/banners/miniads7.gif){kind=small}
Foto I
