On the occasion of the Kyiv Post’s 25th birthday on Oct. 18, I congratulate all who are involved in the newspaper, past and present, and all who will join us in the future.
I bought the Kyiv Post more than two years ago precisely because the newspaper stands for the values that I have been promoting throughout my 40 years in Ukraine: democracy, justice, rule of law, economic prosperity.
As an Arab Muslim from Syria, I know that the struggle for human rights and democracy is a global one.
My fellow Syrians have been trying for decades to get rid of the dictatorial regime of the murderous Assad family. One day, God willing, justice will prevail for my suffering people.
Those of us from Asia and the Middle East are ready to fight for democracy and justice, values long enjoyed in Europe and America. We are ready to give our lives for these principles. We shall never surrender.
Not just in Syria, but everywhere in the world, there will be justice, democracy, freedom of speech, complete independence for journalism, sooner or later. Without independent journalism, you cannot get democracy. Investing in decent media resources is investments with God.
It is a moral obligation, I believe, of everyone to support free speech and a free press.
We appreciate everyone who has supported the Kyiv Post during its first 25 years.
I am fortunate and blessed to be able to invest into media resources, including this beacon of the free press.
I look forward to the next 25 years in partnership with all journalists, readers, advertisers and subscribers, in building a free and prosperous Ukraine.
God willing,
Adnan Kivan
Founder and CEO of the KADORR Group
Odesa, Ukraine
