Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com). Voice of America is funded by the US Federal Government and content it exclusively produces is in the public domain. Yushchenko Calls for Stronger US-Ukraine Relations -------------------------------------------------- http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=CB24DB:2AB91D3 New Ukrainian president delivered speech to US Congress Wednesday Viktor Yushchenko Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko called for stronger U.S.-Ukrainian relations during a speech to the U.S. Congress Wednesday. Mr. Yushchenko said the United States and Ukraine have the common goal of upholding democracy, and said his country would be a reliable partner to Washington in fighting terrorism. He asked lawmakers to help Ukraine's economy by ending Soviet-era sanctions, reducing tariffs, and supporting Ukraine's bid to join the World Trade Organization. He also asked the United States to erect a shelter over the Chernobyl nuclear reactor, site of a major 1986 nuclear accident. Mr. Yushchenko thanked the United States for its support of Ukrainian democracy, and promised to build a society based on the rule of law and committed to free speech. The Ukrainian leader is nearing the end of a five-day U.S. visit, his first since the democratic revolution that swept him to power last year. .