U.S. Lifts Cold-War Trade Limits On Ukraine

George W. Bush (right) with Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko (file photo) (AFP) WASHINGTON, March 23, 2006 (RFE/RL) -- U.S. President George W. Bush today signed a bill permanently exempting Ukraine from trade restrictions that date back to the era of the Soviet Union.

Bush said the bill will benefit the United States as well as Ukraine. He said it not only will help Ukraine develop a prosperous economy, but also will mean new markets for U.S. products. He said he also will work to help Ukraine accede to the World Trade Organization.

According to Bush, Ukraine earned the exemption because of its struggle for freedom as well as a free-market economy.

"The Cold War is over, and a free Ukraine is a friend to America and an inspiration to those who love liberty," he said. "The Orange Revolution was a powerful example of democracy for people around the world. The brave citizens who gathered in Kyiv's Independence Square demanded the chance to determine their nation's future. And when they got that chance, they chose freedom."

The restrictions were imposed on the Soviet Union in the 1970s under what is known as the Jackson-Vanik Amendment. Ukraine has been given annual exemptions for the past several years, but now the exemption is permanent.