Declaration of Independence of Ukraine

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Ukraine
Image:Coat of arms of Ukraine.svg This article is part of the series: Politics and government of Ukraine

Constitution Parliament President Viktor Yushchenko Cabinet Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych Judicial system Constitutional Court Supreme Court Prosecutor General Political parties Elections and referendums President 1991 - 1994 - 1999 - 2004 Parliament 1994 - 1998 - 2002 - 2006 National Referendums 1991 - 2000 Central Election Commission Orange Revolution Subdivisions Foreign relations Ukraine and the EU
Other countries • Politics Portal view • talk • edit</div>

The Act of Declaration of Independence of Ukraine (Ukrainian: Акт проголошення незалежності України) was adopted by the Ukrainian parliament on August 24, 1991. The Act established Ukraine as an independent, democratic state.

The Act was adopted in the time when the conservative Communist leaders of the Soviet Union committed a coup attempting to restore the Communist party control over the country. In response, the parliament of Ukraine passed overwhelmingly approved the Act of Declaration. The Act was passed by 321 votes in favor, with 2 votes against, and 6 abstain. The author of the text was Levko Lukyanenko.

The declared independence of Ukraine was recognized by none of countries following the adoption of the Act by the parliament. The issue was passed into the hand of Ukrainian people, as the parliament called for a referendum on support of the Declaration of Independence.

In the referendum on December 1, 1991, the people of Ukraine expressed widespread support for the Act of Declaration of Independence, with more than 90% votes in favor. Shortly after, the independence of Ukraine was recognized worldwide.

24th of August is celebrated in Ukraine as Independence Day.

[edit] Act of Independence

Act of Declaration of Independence of Ukraine

In view of the mortal danger surrounding Ukraine in connection with the state coup in the USSR on August 19, 1991,
Continuing the thousand-year tradition of state development in Ukraine,
Proceeding from the right of a nation to self-determination in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and other international legal documents, and
Implementing the Declaration of State Sovereignty of Ukraine,

the Verkhovna Rada of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic solemnly declares
Independence of Ukraine and creation of the independent Ukrainian state - UKRAINE.

The territory of Ukraine is indivisible and inviolable.

From this day forward, the Constitution and laws of Ukraine only are valid on the territory of Ukraine.

This act becomes effective at the moment of its approval.

--VERKHOVNA RADA OF UKRAINE, August 24, 1991