George W. Bush commemorates Ukraine's `Orange Revolution,' promises continued U.S. support

President George W. Bush congratulated Ukrainians on the first anniversary of their "Orange Revolution" for demonstrating "that the love of liberty is stronger than the will of tyranny."

In a Presidential Message distributed Tuesday, Bush celebrated Nov. 22, 2004, when "hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian citizens stood up to defend democracy in their homeland.

"He praised their "great courage and determination" as "a powerful example of freedom and democracy in action and an inspiration to those aspiring for freedom in their own land."

The statement urged President Viktor Yushchenko's government to meet its "historic opportunity and historic responsibility to fulfill the promise of the Orange Revolution and continue to transform Ukraine into a fully democratic state."

The AP reports: he pledged U.S. support for Yushchenko "in advancing a democratic, prosperous and secure Ukraine, and America is proud to call Ukraine a friend."

A.M.