ACCEPTING UKRAINIAN AWARD, SECRETARY-GENERAL CONGRATULATES COUNTRY
ON PATH TAKEN SINCE INDEPENDENCE
Following are the remarks of Secretary-General Kofi Annan on receiving the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise in Kiev, Ukraine, on 3 June:
You have truly honoured me by giving me this order.� I know that Yaroslav the Wise is one of your country’s most respected historical figures -- and I shall certainly wear his order with respect.
Already in the 11
th century, Prince Yaroslav represented values that have stood the test of history -- the codification of law, the encouragement of education and the arts, and the strengthening of relations with other countries.� Today, one millennium later, we can see the same values come to the fore in modern Ukraine.� This is a new chapter in the history of a country characterized by the richness of its traditions and the determination of its people.�
I arrived only yesterday on this first visit to Ukraine as Secretary-General, but even before that I had reason to be impressed by your country.� Since independence, you have adopted a constitution that calls for a pluralistic political system, with protection of basic human rights and liberties.� You have worked to establish friendly relations with your neighbours, and you play an active role in the international arena, including in the United Nations.� You are confronting considerable environmental challengeswith great courage.� You have seen a dramatic rise in HIV/AIDS and have taken decisive steps to combat it -- as demonstrated by your decision, Mr. President, to declare 2002 the year of the fight against AIDS.� You have worked hard to achieve reforms in education, in agriculture, in economic and social development.� In short, you are making the transition from a command to a market economy, from a controlled to a democratic political system, with all the radical thinking that that involves.
The experience of your country confirms that democracy means more than holding elections.� That for democracy to prosper, it needs sustained and effective attention -- from the Government in power, from political parties, and, above all, from a dynamic and vigilant civil society.� Such a vigorous approach constitutes the best guarantee of the fulfilment of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all.
Equally, the work for democracy is not done in isolation.� It is inextricably linked with the work for development.� Democracy is much stronger
when people can see that poverty is being reduced, that society is becoming more just, and that these gains can be sustained in the future.�
As your country continues courageously on this path, it will have the full support of the United Nations family.� We will walk with you on your journey.� And I will wear the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise as a token of our enduring friendship.
Duzhe dyakuyu.� Thank you very much.
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