Today we celebrate the 20^th Anniversary of Constitution of Ukraine. It was adopted on June 28, 1996. And it is my honor to be one of the deputies of Ukrainian Parliament who voted for the Constitution which was later recognized by the International Organizations as one of the best in Europe.

The history of the constitutional process in Ukraine goes back to 7^th century Kievan Rus. It was partly based on the ancient Ukrainian law «Ruska Pravda» and later «Lithuanian Statute», the acts of the Bohdan Khmelnytsky`s Cossack state of the mid 17^th century.

The first Ukrainian Constitution is considered to be the Pylyp Orlyk Constitution, which was issued on April 5, 1710. It was a contract between the Cossack Hetman Pylyp Orlyk and the Cossacks, which defined the rights and duties of all members of the troops. According to the historians, this document is one of the first European constitutions. It was written in 2 languages: Ukrainian and Latin enabling Europeans to read the Constitution.

Another Ukrainian constitution was the Constitution of the Ukrainian National Republic (UNR), adopted on 29 April 1918. It was emphasized that all power in the Republic «is derived from the people» and its supreme body is the General Council. When Ukraine was part of the Soviet Union four constitutions were changed.

After adoption by the Verkhovna Rada of the Ukrainian SSR of the Act of Independence of Ukraine on August 24, 1991 and its corresponding approval by the nation at the National Ukrainian referendum on December 1, 1991, Ukraine was recognized by most countries as a sovereign state and a full subject of international relations. Jordan was one of the first countries, which recognized Ukraine on December, 28, 1991.

Ukraine continues its constitutional reform. Today it is one of the cornerstones of the reform agenda in Ukraine and one of the priorities of the Ukrainian state. Work with the amendments to the Constitution is based on the rule of law, openness and transparency. The process of preparing amendments to the Constitution concerns primarily the decentralization of state power, significant empowerment of local communities and judiciary reforms.

My friends, taking this opportunity I want to inform you on the publication of the unique book by a prominent Jordanian writer, historian and journalist and my friend Omar al-Armouti. The book I am holding in my hands is called Ambassadors of the World Speak from Amman and it contains memories of 10 top Jordanian diplomats as well as 15 foreign ambassadors to Jordan including me about the activities of their missions in Amman. This is the 1^st volumes and Mr. Armouti plans to continue his job. During the reception, he will sign free exemplar of the book to all the Ambassadors. Launching ceremony of the book will commence after 20 minutes at my office up on the 1^st floor.  

I would like to take this opportunity and hand over the ID of Foreign Ukrainian to Doctor Walid Abu Fares – talented dentist and orthodontic surgeon. So now, you are safe in this sphere of health. Both his parents are also medical workers and his father Dr Zuhair Abu Fares defended his PhD degree in Kiev.

And last but not the least I would like to start to see off our colleagues – ambassadors who are leaving Jordan during next months: Ambassador of Poland Mr. Bojko who worked here more than 8 years and wrote 8 books (now he is associate professor and I know when he will arrive to Poland he will receive full professor status), Amb. of Romania Bogdan Filip, Amb. of Egypt Khaled Tharwat. Thanks for Your cooperation. I want to wish them all success in their future posts and some day to become Ambassadors to Ukraine.

In addition, I need to thank our sponsors: Tip-Top and Mr. Zakarieh, UMAir (Mr. Charbel Meouchy) and Mr. Abdel Salam Nabulsi. As you can see, we continue cooperation with Le Meridien and I am pleased to meet You with new but well experienced GM of Le Meridien Hotel Mr. Sameh Abdel Wahab. This is his 1^st official appearance.

Dear friends, please raise the glasses for 20^th Anniversary of Ukrainian Constitution. Long life Ukrainian-Jordanian Friendship!

Enjoy and make yourself at home. And now cake cutting ceremony.   

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