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Advocacy Program: Ukrainian Days in Washington, D.C.Wednesday/Thursday, March 2/3, 2005Following a successful “Ukrainian Days” advocacy program last year in Washington, DC, and building upon the current mainstream enthusiasm regarding the recent “Orange Revolution” in Ukraine, the Ukrainian National Information Service (UNIS) is once again organizing “Ukrainian Days” in Washington, DC. The intent of “Ukrainian Days” is to promote the concerns of the Ukrainian American community, as well as to establish better relations with our elected representatives in Washington. Briefing papers on various topics will be supplied to all the participants of “Ukrainian Days” by the UNIS. The “Ukrainian Days” agenda will consist of several aspects. On Wednesday morning, March 2nd, UNIS will organize presentations by American government officials and non-governmental organizations (NGO’s). Of particular interest will be a discussion about the topics of concern to the community, including: increased U.S. foreign assistance to Ukraine; graduation from the Jackson-Vanik amendment; Permanent Normal Trade Relations between Ukraine and the United States; market economy status for Ukraine; legislation to construct a monument in Washington, DC to the victims of the Ukrainian Genocide; as well as the overall context of U.S.-Ukrainian relations. In the evening of March 2nd, a reception will be held at the Embassy of Ukraine, where “Ukrainian Days” participants will have a chance to acquaint themselves with the Ukrainian diplomats and discuss their ideas regarding U.S.-Ukrainian relations and other issues of concern to the community. Thursday morning, March 3rd, participants of “Ukrainian Days” will partake in a breakfast meeting with members of the Congressional Ukrainian Caucus (CUC), an officially registered group within the U.S. House of Representatives that is interested in enhancing relations between Ukraine and the United States. CUC representatives will discuss issues regarding the commemoration the 1932-1933 Ukrainian Genocide, as well as constructing a memorial to the victims of this dark page in Ukraine’s history in Washington, DC; awarding a federal charter to the Ukrainian American Veterans (UAV) organization; U.S. foreign assistance programs to Ukraine; Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) status for Ukraine; and overall relations with Ukraine, especially in context of the recent “Orange Revolution”. During the two day event, participants of “Ukrainian Days” will meet with their respective members of the House of Representatives and Senate in order to communicate to them the issues that concern the Ukrainian American community and establish closer communications with their offices. Contacts with the Members of Congress and Senators allow the Ukrainian community to work more effectively and resolve issues of concern. UNIS stresses the need to involve our younger generation in the active civic life of our community for the benefit of our existence as a vital part of the American society, as well as promoting the need for greater democratic and economic development in Ukraine. For further information about participating, as well as hotel accommodations, please contact the Ukrainian National information Service (UNIS) at (202) 547-0018, or via e-mail at unis@ucca.org. "Ukrainian Days" in Washington, DC; also see http://ucca.org/uccanews/story/0207051410.shtml
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