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Ukraine Visitor Receives Warm Welcome

Anna Kapustyan (l.), a Professor of History at Kremenchuk State University in central Ukraine, attended a Union County Freeholder Board meeting while on a recent visit to New Jersey. Professor Kapustyan was presented with a copy of a February 6 Freeholder Resolution sponsored by Freeholder Angel G. Estrada (r.), in support of human rights protests in Ukraine. Professor Kapustyan, who is a parliamentary representative for her home town, is active in political and environmental issues in Ukraine.

Full text of Resolution 2014-101:

WHEREAS, the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders wishes to express its support for the people of Ukraine to protest peacefully while seeking for President Viktor Yanukovych to rescind the country’s restrictions of free speech and human freedoms; and

WHEREAS, on November 21, 2013, Kyiv suddenly announced the suspension of trade and association talks with the European Union after years of careful negotiations, and opts for reviving economic ties with Moscow; and

WHEREAS, over 100,000 Ukrainians have rallied in Kyiv against suspending talks with the European Union, marking the largest protest in Ukraine in almost a decade; and

WHEREAS, the Ukrainian police resorted to force by firing tear gas at demonstrators, arresting thousands, and killing four protestors; and

WHEREAS, after the use of force, over 350,000 Ukrainians came together at Independence Square to protest against President Yanukovich and his government for encouraging deadly violence against the citizens of Ukraine; and

WHEREAS, despite massive opposition, President Yanukovich has held talks with the leader of the Soviet Union, Vladimir Putin, on strategic partnerships between both countries.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Chosen Freeholders of the County of Union hereby expresses its support for the human rights of the Ukrainian people and their support for strengthened relations with the West.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution, suitably prepared, be presented to Sonia Owchariw, as well as the Ukrainian people. Signed and Sealed: February 6, 2014.

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