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Ukraine marks birthday of united state

Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich addressed a congratulatory message to citizens of the country on the occasion of this date

KIEV, January 22 (Itar-Tass) — Ukraine marks this Sunday the day of unity and freedom. The start of unification in the 20th century of Ukrainian provinces into a united state was initiated in 1918 when the Ukrainian People’s Republic emerged, and the West-Ukrainian People’s Republic appeared in the western part of present-day Ukraine, which was part of the Austro-Hungary Empire before.

Following talks in December of the same year, the leaders of the two republics signed a treaty, while on January 22, 1919 it was proclaimed in Kiev at the Sofia Square that Ukraine became a united state.

Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich addressed a congratulatory message to citizens of the country on the occasion of this date. He expressed hope that authorities and society can jointly consolidate unity of people. “Our common efforts and our loyalty to the great aim – construction of a strong Ukraine – are a guarantee that united and independent Ukraine will always belong to the number of developed, promising and influential states in the world,” said the head of state.

Various political forces stage their mass actions in the capital on Sunday. A gala concert will be held in the evening in the country’s main square – Maidan. Churches perform from early morning prayers on preserving peace, accord and stability as well as prosperity of the Ukrainian state.