[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 18 (Friday, February 25, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: February 25, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
             THE 76TH ANNIVERSARY OF ESTONIAN INDEPENDENCE

 Mr. RIEGLE. Mr. President, yesterday marked the 76th 
anniversary of Estonia's declaration of independence from czarist 
Russia. I rise today to commemorate this important date, and to offer 
my congratulations and continued support to the People of Estonia and 
the Estonian-American community here in the United States.
  The Republic of Estonia first declared its independence on February 
24, 1918, ending hundreds of years of foreign domination. The 
anniversary of this date is important in honoring the Estonian people 
for their resolve in building a free nation. It is equally fitting that 
we take this opportunity to recognize the long struggle Estonians face, 
and the many challenges that threaten Estonia's continued independence.
  Despite the 1920 peace treaty that established the government of the 
Republic of Estonia as its legitimate governing body, Estonia again 
came under Soviet control in 1940 as a result of Russia's Ribbentrop 
Pact with Nazi Germany. For the next half century, Estonians were 
brutally repressed under Soviet domination, and it would not be until 
the end of the cold war that the Estonian people would regain control 
of their own country and their own future.
  In 1991, Estonia once again declared its independence from the Soviet 
Union, reestablishing the autonomy it had sought 73 years earlier. The 
world was reminded during that tumultuous time of the strength and 
bravery of the Estonian people. The struggle of Estonia and its Baltic 
neighbors to withdraw from the Soviet Union heralded the collapse of 
the giant Soviet empire. Once their independence was achieved, the 
world looked proudly upon the Baltic nations symbols of the worldwide 
struggle for freedom.
  The decades of foreign control were not without great cost to the 
Estonian people, however. The damage to the Estonian population is 
immeasurable--thousands were killed, deported, or otherwise brutally 
repressed. They are also struggling to cope with the massive and 
widespread environmental damage caused during the 50 years of Soviet 
rule. The years following independence have also been riddled with 
problems--Russian troops continue to occupy Estonia, and the treatment 
of ethnic Russians in Estonia remains a point of contention between the 
Estonian and Russian Governments.
  The problems Estonians have faced have been daunting, but the ability 
of the Estonian people to meet these challenges head on is truly 
remarkable. In 1992, the first free elections were held in Estonia 
since its independence from the Soviets. The economy is also faring 
better than many of the former Soviet States, and is in fact one of the 
fastest growing in Europe. The Estonian currency is stable and 
inflation is low, and members of the European Union have authorized the 
negotiation of free-trade agreements which could result in a free-trade 
zone between Estonia and the European Union. Finally, Estonia has 
signed on to the Partnership for Peace plan which provides for 
cooperation with NATO members in maintaining security in Eastern 
Europe.
  Mr. President, Estonian Independence Day this year is truly a 
celebration of a people who have overcome enormous challenges in 
establishing a free nation. It has only been through the courage, 
spirit, and perseverance of the Estonian people that they have finally 
succeeded. On this occasion, we must remind ourselves of the struggle 
of the past 76 years, and the need for the international community to 
continue to support Estonia in its efforts to maintain its freedom. Let 
us commemorate this anniversary by pledging to continue to stand by the 
Estonian people as they work to achieve their goal of self-
determination.

                          ____________________