Ukraine has a thousand years history of state-building.. by ambassador Oleksandr Balanutsa
By Ambassador Oleksandr Balanutsa
On the anniversary of independence..
August 24, 2019 is the 28th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence. On this day, in 1991, Ukraine’s parliament adopted the Declaration of State Sovereignty of Ukraine that marked a new stage in the development of modern democratic Ukraine. Throughout one-thousand-year history Ukraine always demonstrated to the World that Ukrainians are the people capable of protecting democratic values and independence.
The declaration of Ukraine’s independence in 1991 was a key element of the 1000 year’s tradition of state-building process which started in the ninth century, at the height of the Kyivan Rus period (9-13 centuries). Each period provided priceless contribution to the development of political, legal and moral foundations of our state. Among the features inherited by Ukraine from that period are the word ‘Oukraina’ which was first mentioned in the Hyratian Codex in 1187 and the state coat of arms of Ukraine – ‘Tryzyb’ (Trident). From the Cossack Age (15-18 centuries) we inherited military traditions and the Constitution of Pylyp Orlyk (1710) – one of the first constitutions in Europe. Moreover, the democratic foundations stipulated in the Constitution of Pylyp Orlyk were solidified within Ukrainian statehood of the early 20th century.
During the thousand-year history of Ukraine one of the main features of Ukrainian identity has been the willingness for freedom. That’s what encouraged Ukrainians to struggle for independence and prosperous future, though the cost of freedom was very high – millions of Martyrs who have fallen victims of implacable wars and repressions.
In the 20th century Ukraine lost its sovereignty several times, but Ukrainians never surrendered the fight to reclaim their independence. On August 24, 1991 Ukraine reemerged as independent state that actually meant the rebirth of the Ukrainian state which existed long before that. The Declaration of State Sovereignty of Ukraine adopted in 1991 was the second episode of proclamation of independence in the last century while the first one happened on January 22, 1918.
It was in 1918 that Ukrainian authorities approved the blue-and-yellow version of the national flag whose origins dates back to the year 1848, when it was a symbol of Ukrainians residing in Halychyna – historic land in Western Ukraine. One of the most popular interpretations of the colors of the Ukrainian flag is that the blue color represents the peaceful sky, while the yellow represents a fruitful wheat field. Today,23 August is celebrated as the Day of the National Flag.
It is our honor to emphasize that Ukraine has always shown a spirit of unity on its difficult and challenging path towards independence and sovereignty, withstanding and overcoming severe ordeals. It is with the support of reliable partners and friendsof Ukraine that we feel stronger facing difficult obstacles. Therefore, we devote our best efforts to enhance the bilateral relations between Ukraine and Kuwait and support the organization of mutual visits of officials of both countries. We would also like to take this opportunity to express our deep gratitude and appreciation to the Government and people of friendly Kuwait for the continuous support of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, wishing Kuwait and its people continuous progress and prosperity.
Source: Ukraine By Arabic
Read This Article In Arabic
