Yanukovych greets nation on National Unity Day

Editor's Note: January 22 mark's Ukraine's National Unity Day, a holiday that is rooted in the period immediately after World War I when the country's modern-day lands were united in an internationally-recognized state that witnessed a brief period of Ukrainian statehood until it was partitioned by various powers, including the newly created Soviet Union, Poland and other countries. The following is an official translation of President Viktor Yanukovych's greeting:

Dear fellow citizens!

Today, on Unity and Liberty Day, I address you with a sense of unshakeable faith that together – the government and the society – we can strengthen the unity of our people. Only our common efforts, our commitment to the grand goal of building a strong Ukraine is a guarantee that the united and independent Ukraine will always be in the circle of developed, advanced and powerful countries. The courtiers, where citizens are the owners of their land, where they have secured rights and freedoms.

I am convinced that the majority of our society professes belief in these values. We will firmly and consistently follow this path. I believe in the wisdom of our people. I know that our efforts will be crowned with success.

I wish you all peace, harmony, unity.

Happy Unity and Liberty Day, dear compatriots!