Ukraine President Viktor Yushchenko
to Receive 2005 Philadelphia Liberty Medal

Reformist Hailed for Leading the Peaceful
“Orange Revolution” and Pledging to Deliver
Radical Political and Economic Change in His Nation

PHILADELPHIA, June 28, 2005 – Viktor Yushchenko, the President of Ukraine, whose courageous fight for free and fair elections inspired millions in his country and around the world and led to the end of a corrupt government, has been named the recipient of the 2005 Philadelphia Liberty Medal by its distinguished International Selection Commission. President Yushchenko will accept the Medal and its accompanying $100,000 at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia on September 17, America’s Constitution Day.

The Philadelphia Liberty Medal, established in 1988 to heighten recognition of the principles that founded this nation and to serve as a lasting legacy to the 200th anniversary of the U.S. Constitution, honors an individual or an organization from anywhere in the world that has “demonstrated leadership and vision in the pursuit of liberty of conscience or freedom from oppression, ignorance, or deprivation.” It is administered by the non-profit, non-political, Philadelphia Foundation, the region’s foremost community foundation.

Professor Martin Meyerson, Chairman, since the Medal’s inception, of its International Selection Commission and President Emeritus of the University of Pennsylvania, said, “President Yushchenko’s courageous leadership in guiding the “Orange Revolution” is reminiscent of the heroism of Vaclav Havel in Czechoslovakia and is likely to inspire other freedom-seeking, democracy-loving people. Now, as a charismatic political leader, he is transforming his country into a modern civil society. As a shaper of a new nation, he merits being seen as the Ukraine’s George Washington.”

H. Craig Lewis, Chairman of The Philadelphia Foundation, commented, “We are delighted to make the announcement of President Yushchenko’s selection on June 28, Ukraine’s Constitution Day, and will welcome him to Philadelphia on our national Constitution Day, September 17. The National Constitution Center is an ideal venue and partner for this year’s presentation because it so ably teaches the same values of freedom and democracy that President Yushchenko stands for.”

Viktor Yushchenko was born in 1954 in the Sumy region of northeastern Ukraine. After studying economics at the University he began a financial career, starting as a rural accountant and progressing in 1993 to head the national bank of the newly independent Ukraine. There he played an important role in overcoming hyperinflation in the country and establishing a stable national currency. His success led to his appointment as prime minister in December 1999 by President Leonid Kuchma. Dismissed by Kuchma in 2001 because of his rising popularity, Yushchenko became head of the Our Ukraine opposition bloc, and, as Kuchma’s term ended in 2004, he announced his independent candidacy for president.

The presidential campaign was contentious. Yushchenko had great popular support, but the state-run television channels and Russian President Vladimir Putin continually touted his major rival, Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych. Among the “dirty tricks” was dioxin poisoning of Yushchenko, allegedly by government officials, which left his face disfigured and pockmarked just weeks before the election. The official tally awarded a narrow victory to Yanukovych, but allegations of widespread fraud prompted Yushchenko and his supporters to refuse to recognize the results. There were massive popular protests around the country, and thousands camped out in the main square of Kiev in bitter winter weather while wearing orange as a sign of solidarity. Finally the Supreme Court overturned the election results, and Yushchenko won the repeat ballot.

As President he has begun to expose the massive corruption of Kuchma’s regime, replacing thousands of bureaucrats, and pledging financial reforms, new jobs, and a higher standard of living. He is also aggressively pursuing membership in the European Union.