BRAMA, Feb 23, 2007, 1:00 am ET
Press release
UPDATE 2/25/07
Orange Revolution Leader Yulia Tymoshenko Schedules Landmark Visit to U.S.
Historic Movement to Create a Democratic Ukraine 'Lives On,' Says Former Prime Minister.
© Yulia Tymoshenko
Yulia Tymoshenko in Khmelnyts'ky, Ukraine. 20 February 2007
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UPDATE Sun, February 25, 2007 6:13 pm —
The Harriman Institute and the Ukrainian Studies Program at Columbia
University deeply regret to inform you that the talk by Yulia
Tymoshenko on Monday, Feb. 26th at the Low Memorial Library Rotunda
will not take place. We have just been informed that the New York
leg of her trip was cancelled suddenly.
No further details are available at this time. We share in the
disappointment in receiving this news and appreciate the extreme
interest that so many people have expressed in this event.
* * *
KYIV, Ukraine, Feb. 22 — Former Ukrainian
Prime Minister and Orange Revolution leader Yulia Tymoshenko announced
today that she will visit the United States. Ms. Tymoshenko will travel
to New York City and Washington, DC between February 26th - March 2nd.
"As an unwavering supporter of freedom and democracy in Ukraine, I
look forward to returning to the birthplace of these historic
principles," said Ms. Tymoshenko.
During her stay in the U.S., Ms. Tymoshenko will meet with
government officials, lawmakers, business leaders, policy experts and
scholars to discuss the important issues facing Ukraine. She will
address efforts to advance the country's path to democratic reform and
be honored by policy organizations that support her passion and
commitment to Ukraine. She will also speak at some of the most prominent
American universities and think-tanks on topics of Ukrainian / American
interest.
Ms. Tymoshenko will address geopolitical issues critical to the
security of Ukraine, Europe and the United States. These issues include
Russia's domineering role with its neighbors and more broadly in Europe,
especially as it relates to energy security. She will also speak to
Ukraine's continuing path toward Euro-Atlantic integration.
She also intends to confront certain misperceptions regarding the
current state of democracy in Ukraine. "My sense is some in America
mistakenly believe the Orange Revolution is over, that democracy has won
— and that liberty and justice have secured their place in our
country's history," said Ms. Tymoshenko.
"The Orange Revolution is not over," she continued. "The movement
that brought thousands of Ukrainians together to overthrow the
post-Soviet regime lives on. Much progress has been made to bring
democracy to Ukraine, but much more remains to be done."
Democratic reform is taking root in Ukraine. The country had its
first free and fair elections just a few years ago, and rule of law is
slowly beginning to take shape. However, those who oppose Ukrainian
independence are actively working to undermine democratic progress
within the country.
For example, pro-democratic Members of Parliament and advocates of
reform in Ukraine have been beaten in the streets to silence their
attempts to bring about reform, and, in turn, intimidate others from
doing the same.
"We will not be intimidated by those who want to turn the clock back
on Ukraine," concluded Ms. Tymoshenko. "I hope my visit to the U.S. will
help our American friends better understand the current issues impacting
Ukraine, and I look forward to experiencing first-hand the great example
of freedom and democracy that is America."
SOURCE TD International
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