Yanukovych addresses nation on Holodomor Remembrance Day

 Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych has addressed his compatriots on the Holodomor Remembrance Day.

"These days it will turn 80 years since trouble has come to our land. In the period of 1932-1933, the Holodomor covered the territory of Ukraine and other countries of the former USSR," according to a statement by the president posted on the official president's Web site on Saturday.

"This crime has changed the history of the Ukrainian people forever. It has been one of the severest challenges of Ukrainians. The Holodomor not only killed people, but also had the purpose of causing fear and obedience. For decades, any mention of those dreadful events has been banned," reads the statement.

"But Ukrainians demonstrated tenacity. Due to belief in our power, love to Ukraine, primordial pursuit of freedom and independence we have survived," Yanukovych said.

"Today, a little candle flame unites us in a prayer for the souls of the Holodomor victims. We also remember those who shared the last piece of bread and saved the lives of compatriots. Our duty is to carry the memory of those dreadful events forever in our hearts. We also must do everything to prevent such a tragedy in the future," the president said.