[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 6 (Tuesday, February 1, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: February 1, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                         ROMANIA'S NATIONAL DAY

                                 ______


                          HON. MARTIN R. HOKE

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 1, 1994

  Mr. HOKE. Mr. Speaker, while Congress was in recess over the 
holidays, Romania celebrated its National Day on December 1.
  As a Romanian-American, I know firsthand that many contributions 
Americans of Romanian descent have made to our country. Indeed, many of 
them live in my congressional district, where their unique skills and 
talents have made a big impact on our community.
  Since Congress was not in session on December 1 and, therefore, was 
not able to recognize that date as Romania's National Day, I 
respectfully insert into the Record the following statement put forth 
by distinguished leaders of the Romanian-American community:

                December the 1st--Romania's National Day

       On December 1st, 1993, Romania celebrated its National Day 
     and commemorated 75 years of modern existence.
       The name Romania was adopted in 1859 on the unification of 
     the old principalities of Wallachia and Moldova. Modern 
     Romania took its current shape in 1918, at the end of World 
     War I. Following President Woodrow Wilson's principle of 
     self-determination, the Romanians of Transylvania, Bucovina 
     and Bessarabia voted to unite with the old country. The 
     United States was among the first to recognize Romania and to 
     reestablish friendly relations with it.
       Romania, a medium-sized southeastern European country of 23 
     million people, has traditionally shown great respect and 
     friendship for the United States. This friendliness and 
     desire for cooperation has been openly pursued since the 
     December, 1989 Revolution.
       In recent weeks, Romania was admitted into the European 
     Council. Also, after several years of strained relations, the 
     United States granted Romania Most-Favored-Nation status and 
     signed a bilateral treaty of trade and cooperation with it.
       The Romanian people suffered for hundreds of years at the 
     hands of the various invaders. Then, at the end of World War 
     II, Romania fell under Soviet influence. Four decades of a 
     brutal communist dictatorship, especially under Ceaucescu, 
     ravaged the country and left its people deeply scarred. In 
     recent years, however, Romania has regained its freedom and 
     embarked on a path to democracy and international 
     cooperation.
       Things are not perfect in Romania, but they are improving. 
     Economically, Ceaucescu left the country in shambles. 
     Politically, Romania has just begun to relearn the democratic 
     process. Moreover, the former communists are still around and 
     often in control. Old habits die hard, yet Romania is looking 
     forward to joining the Western family of democratic nations.
       The Romanian people are particularly eager to learn from 
     the American experience and to build new bridges with the 
     West. The most important domestic priority is to rebuild the 
     national economy. From this point of view, the United States 
     can contribute a great deal while itself benefiting at the 
     same time.
       Romania is also looking toward reembracing Bessarabia, 
     North Bucovina and Hertza Region, arbitrarily annexed by 
     Stalin in 1940 after the infamous Ribbentrop-Molotov secret 
     pact of 1939. Romania also will continue to protect and 
     maintain its integrity of Transylvania as Romanian territory, 
     a right upheld by historical fact.
       Romania expects a friendly and understanding attitude from 
     the Western nations and the world community on the above 
     essential issues.
       Eastern Europe is currently passing through a very 
     difficult period of transition to democracy and a market 
     economy. The southern part of the region is also caught up in 
     a dangerous war in Yugoslavia, a war with potentially grave 
     international implications. During these trying times, 
     Romania has stood fast by its new western friends and by the 
     United Nations Resolutions. By adhering to the sanctions 
     against Iraq and against Yugoslavia, Romania has lost 
     billions of dollars and its people are again paying a very 
     dear price.
       Nevertheless, Romania has the potential of becoming a land 
     of geostrategic stability in this unstable part of the world, 
     a peaceful bridge between East and West, and a buffer zone, 
     separating the Balkans from the former Soviet Union.
       During these times of need for Romania, the United States 
     can become a true friend indeed. By recognizing Romania's 
     National Day, December 1, Anno Domini 1993, America can bring 
     once more its own contribution to the peace, justice and 
     welfare of the world.
     Peter Lucaci,
       National President, Union and League, R.S.A., Inc.
     (Archimandrite) J. Michael Botean,
       Apostolic Administrator, sede vacante, Romanian Catholic 
     Diocese.
     Rt. Rev. Bishop Nathaniel Popp,
       Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America.
     Archbishop Victorin,
       Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese in America and Canada.
     Dr. Nicholas Dima,
       Union and League, Washington Representative.

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