Thursday, May 29, 2008

President lights up a candle in Ottawa

In Ottawa President Victor Yushchenko took part in international event “Keep the Flame Alive” honoring memory of those lost in the Holodomor 1932-1933.

In his address at the event President Yushchenko stressed that the Great Famine of 1932-1933 has been a well-planned genocide of the Ukrainian nation, executed by the totalitarian regime. According to him by means of it the communists were trying to eliminate any probability of Ukrainian statehood restoration. “We believe that in 2008, when we are marking the 75th anniversary of the Ukrainian tragedy, the General Assembly of the UN will say its important word of truth”, - added Victor Yushchenko expressing hope for world’s recognition of Holodomor as a genocide.

The participants of the action along with President Yushchenko were the National President of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Paul (Pavlo) Grod, Secretary of State for Multiculturalism and Canadian Identity Jason Kenney, Canadian parliamentarians, diplomats, representatives of the Ukrainian community. Those present honored those who suffered in the Great Famine by putting candles near the replica of Kyiv Memorial of Holodomor 1932-1933 victims and observing a moment of silence.