Address to Ukrainians in
the World on the Occasion of the Commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of the
Holodomor in 1932-1933
Dear Ukrainians in the World! Brothers
and Sisters!
The
Holodomor was one of the most terrible humanitarian disasters in the history of
humankind. As a result of a deliberate and thoroughly planned policy of the
totalitarian communist regime, millions of our compatriots were killed. By its
shocking scope, it exceeds even the Ukrainian death toll in World War II. We still
feel the impact of this ruthless terror aimed at the systemic extermination of
the Ukrainian Nation.
That
totalitarian regime’s actions call for global condemnation. Ukrainian diplomats
and Ukrainian communities abroad have made major efforts for the recognition by
the world community and international institutions of the Holodomor as genocide
of the Ukrainian people. This work has to be advanced in a persistent and
consistent way around the world to bring out the truth about those evil times
in full measure.
In
every corner of the world, where our community is present, the memory of
innocent victims of the Holodomor must be preserved and revered. I urge you all
to actively promote the creation of information centres, study programs and
exhibitions on the tragic events of 1932-1933.
In
particular, I would like to address young Ukrainians around the World. I ask
you to actively respond to my call and form a sincere and ardent base of great
endeavor - to reveal the truth about the Holodomor to the World.
Respectfully,
I call upon Ukrainians in the World and all people of good will – regardless of
their origin – to honour the memory of the Holodomor victims on November 24 by
lighting candles around the globe.
Carry these rays of truth to every nation and every
land, and in November 2008, bring them back as a unified candle to
Our
duty is to unite our efforts and to do our utmost to ensure that these tragic
events are never forgotten.
Victor Yushchenko, President of