Posted on 03/09/2006 1:02:52 PM PST by Mazepa
The U.S. House of Representatives voted 417-2 in favor of extending permanent normal trade relations to Ukraine, and U.S. Trade Representative Rob Portman expressed appreciation March 8 for “this rapid and bipartisan effort”, according to the U.S. Department of State.
The bill frees Ukraine from the provisions of the Jackson-Vanik amendment to the Trade Act of 1974, which links U.S. trade relations with many former communist countries to the rights of their citizens to emigrate freely.
Under Jackson-Vanik, if a country is found to be restricting emigration rights, the U.S. president must issue an annual waiver for normal trade relations to continue.
Portman noted that on March 6 he and Ukrainian Minister of Economy Arseniy Yatsenyuk formally signed a bilateral agreement on market access issues, which constitutes a major step towards Ukraine's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO).
In 2005, the Senate passed a bill approving permanent normal trade relations treatment for Ukraine, but it must now vote on the House version (H.R. 1053) because congressional rules require that legislation affecting tariffs must begin in the House.
This a a big blow to Putie - coming on the heels of the WTO approval, this is in retaliation for the Jan 1 Cold
War.
ping
Actually this just screw the Ukraine people.
Now we can buy all their cheap goods, and their citizens can't even visit.
"Actually this just screw the Ukraine people.
Now we can buy all their cheap goods, "
Is'nt that how free markets usually work - would you prefer that they emulate Russia - where they buy Turkmanistan gas for $50 and sell it to their own industries and consumers for $15.
BWAHAAHAHAAHA
So what?
Recently Congress revoked sanctions against some russian businesses earlier established for thier weapon trades with Iran to allow NASA to buy russian spaceships. Why Congress did that? Because shuttles are grounded.
Conclusion: Jeckson-Wenik is just fiction. When it needed then much stronger restrictions turned down.
The bill I sign today marks the beginning of a new era in our history with Ukraine. During the Cold War, Congress passed the Jackson-Vanik Amendment as a response to widespread communist deprivation of human rights. The law made American trade with communist nations contingent on those countries' respect for the rights of their own people. At the time, the law served an important purpose -- it helped to encourage freedom and the protection of fundamental rights, and penalized nations that denied liberty to their citizens. Times have changed. The Cold War is over, and a free Ukraine is a friend to America and an inspiration to those who love liberty.
The Orange Revolution was a powerful example of democracy for people around the world. The brave citizens who gathered in Kiev's Independence Square demanded the chance to determine their nation's future, and when they got that chance, they chose freedom. In the past two years, Ukraine has held free elections, and the people of Ukraine and its President, Viktor Yushchenko, are deeply committed to democratic reform. On Sunday, the Ukrainian people will again have the chance to cast a ballot in parliamentary elections, and they have a chance to continue to shape their own future.
Ukraine is also working to expand its market economy and produce measurable improvements in the lives of the Ukranian people. America supports these efforts, and this bill is an important step. By eliminating barriers to trade between the United States and Ukraine, the bill will help Ukraine grow in prosperity. As we've seen over the past 50 years, trade has the power to create new wealth for whole nations and new opportunities for people around the world. By expanding trade with Ukraine, this bill will open new markets for American products and help Ukrainians continue to build a free economy that will raise the standard of living for families across their land.
As Ukraine embraces democracy and more open trade, our nation's friendship will grow. President Yushchenko has made reforms to increase transparency and provide intellectual property protection and strengthen the enforcement of the rule of law.
These reforms have taken great conviction. And earlier this month, our two nations signed a bilateral agreement that will establish the terms of trade between our nations when Ukraine joins the World Trade Organization. We support Ukraine's goal of joining the WTO, and we will help resolve the remaining steps required for entry as quickly as possible. As the Ukrainian government continues to build on a record of progress at home, we will help Ukraine joins the institutions that unite free nations and become a part of Europe that is whole, free, and at peace.
The growth of economic freedom and ownership in countries like Ukraine reinforces the habits of liberty and democracy, and gives citizens a stake in the success of their nation. Ukranian people have shown the world they are committed to the ideals of economic freedom and democratic progress and open trade, and that gives them a promising future.
The United States is proud to call Ukraine a friend, and I'm honored to sign this important piece of legislation into law. (Applause.)
(The bill is signed.)
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