[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 14 (Friday, February 11, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: February 11, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
    COMMEMORATION OF THE 76TH ANNIVERSARY OF LITHUANIAN INDEPENDENCE

                                 ______


                          HON. DAVID E. BONIOR

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 11, 1994

  Mr. BONIOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 76th 
anniversary of Lithuanian independence. On Sunday, February 13th, the 
Detroit-area Lithuanian community will mark the event by holding a 
commemorative ceremony at the Lithuanian Cultural Center in Southfield, 
MI.
  This year's observance of Lithuanian independence is a particularly 
happy occasion. After nearly 54 years of occupation, it is the first 
anniversary celebrated without Russian military forces deployed inside 
the Republic.
  Although Lithuania continues to face many challenges, there are many 
things to celebrate. Lithuania is in the process of creating new 
democratic institutions and establishing diplomatic relations with the 
rest of the world. The transition to a market economy will be 
difficult; however, it is occurring. Although state domination of much 
of the economy continues, over 80 percent of small enterprises are now 
in private hands.
  I am watching events in Lithuania and remain guardedly optimistic. I 
am particularly concerned about the 100,000 Russian troops in the 
neighboring region of Kaliningrad. The United States never recognized 
the illegal annexation of Lithuania and has always supported 
independence. The remaining troops in Latvia and Estonia must also be 
removed and guarantees must be secured that these forces will never 
again threaten the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Baltic 
Nations.
  I commend the Lithuanian-American community for their vigilance 
through the many difficult years and I urge my colleagues to join me in 
commemorating the 76th anniversary of Lithuanian independence.

                          ____________________