UCCA - XVII Congress of Ukrainians in America - 1996

Video Description

Excerpts from the XVII Congress of Ukrainians in America, the quadrennial convention of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America Inc. (UCCA) held October 18-20, 1996 at the Ramada Inn in East Hanover, N.J. President Bill Clinton received the Shevchenko Freedom Award, the highest accolade accorded by the UCCA to individuals who have displayed a remarkable understanding and given substantial assistance to the Ukrainian American community and the Ukrainian people, for his "commitment to pursuing steadfast relations with Ukraine and the recognition of Ukraine's vital importance in the continued peace and security of the European continent," and for his "keen understanding and close working relationship with the Ukrainian American community." His adminsitration was cited also for "leadership in the international community's efforts to mobilize financial assistance for the G-7 program with Ukraine to support Chornobyl's closure by the year 2000." Ambassador Madeleine Albright, U.S. permanent representative to the United Nations, accepted the Shevchenko Freedom Award on behalf of President Clinton at the convention banquet on Saturday evening, October 19. Ambassador Albright highlighted the significance of the growing relationship between the United States and Ukraine, particularly in the area of economic and institutional reforms, as well as security guarantees. She stated: "The [Clinton] administration envisions an undivided Europe that is increasingly stable, secure, prosperous and democratic ... If this vision of Europe is to become a reality, Ukraine - because of its size, its location, its resources and the abilities of its people - must play an integral role." Rep. Gilman, chairman of the House of Representatives International Relations Committee, accepted his award by thanking the UCCA and stressing the importance of continuing to work together towards a better future for the Ukrainian people. "The United States has now become a good friend of Ukraine," stated the congressman, "providing the kind of guidance, assistance and international support that the fledging government of independent Ukraine has so badly needed over the last few years ... The dream of Ukrainian independence has now been realized - and will now be preserved - with our [U.S.] continued help to that country." Victor Kryzhanivsky, Ukraine's consul general in New York, accepted the award on behalf of Minister Hennadiy Udovenko and delivered brief remarks. The banquet participants were addressed by Slava Stetsko from the Congress of Ukrainian Nationalists and Dr. Oleh Romanyshyn from the Ukrainian World Congress. A written statement from Sen. Frank Lautenberg was read to banquet participants. Among those in the presidium: Bishop Vsevolod of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church; Ambassador Anatoliy Zlenko, permanent representative of Ukraine to the United Nations; Joseph Lesawyer, former president of the World Congress of Free Ukrainians; Judge Bohdan Futey, U.S. Court of Claims; Bohdan Fedorak, president of the Organization for the Defense of Four Freedoms for Ukraine; Dasha Procyk, president of the Women's Organization for the Defense of Four Freedoms for Ukraine; Wolodymyr Mazur, president of the World Ukrainian State-Building Front; and Dr. Stepan Woroch, representative of the Ukrainian American non-aligned organizations. Friday morning, delegates to the Congress, which was chaired by Julian Kulas, heard reports of the UCCA's governing bodies. Reports were delivered by UCCA President Askold Lozynskyj, the chairman of the National Council, the national treasurer, and chairmen of committees on external affairs, aid to Ukraine and others. Delegates were addressed by Edward Derwinski, former congressman and former secretary for veterans' affairs. In 1959, Congressman Derwinski had sponsored the Captive Nations Week Resolution in the U.S. Congress. On Saturday - four panel discussions about topics relevant to the Ukrainian American community: "Aiding Ukraine," "Education and Social Impact," "Our Ukrainian American Voice in Washington" and "Reviving the Ukrainian American Community." The following were elected for the next four-year term: Mr. Lozynskyj, president; Evhen Iwashkiw, executive vice-president; Ihor Smolij, first vice-president and chairman of the National Council. Having been voted into his second term as president, Mr. Lozynskyj spoke about the plans of the UCCA in its relations with the White House and the Congress. Other areas of focus he cited were the revival of the Ukrainian American community, particularly through the UCCA Educational Council, youth and student organizations, the inclusion of new immigrants, and assistance to Ukraine via grant monies.