[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 23 (Monday, March 7, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: March 7, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                      LITHUANIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY

  Mr. RIEGLE. Mr. President, I rise today to commemorate the 76th 
anniversary of Lithuania's declaration of independence, celebrated on 
February 16, 1994. Once again we are reminded of the difficulties the 
Lithuanian people have faced throughout their history, and the 
resilience with which they have confronted them. Their fortitude is 
even more pronounced now as they struggle to rebuild their country 
following Soviet rule. I am proud to celebrate this day with the people 
of Lithuania and the Lithuanian-American community, and I offer my 
continued support as they face the numerous and formidable challenges 
of the future.
  On February 16, 1918, the Lithuanian National Council first declared 
its independence from czarist Russia, ending 300 years of foreign 
domination. Their new-found liberty lasted only until 1940, however, 
when Stalinist Russian troops invaded and annexed Lithuania, along with 
neighboring Latvia and Estonia. The Lithuanian people suffered under a 
brutal Soviet regime, yet they never gave up hope for freedom, 
independence, and self-determination. Lithuanians once again declared 
independence from the Soviet Union on March 11, 1990.
  Lithuanian Independence Day is important not only as a remembrance of 
the many years Lithuania has spent under oppressive foreign rule, but 
also as an acknowledgement of the obstacles to Lithuania's continued 
autonomy. Freedom never came easily for the Lithuanian people--the 
Soviet Union at first refused to recognize the independence claim and 
in January 1991, 14 Lithuanians were killed and more than 500 injured 
by Soviet troops while defending the radio and TV tower in Vilnius. 
Even after the total collapse of the Soviet Union and the establishment 
of Lithuania as an independent nation, Lithuanians continue to face a 
precarious situation militarily, economically, and environmentally.
  Clearly one of the most serious problems in Lithuania today is the 
shortage of energy. Lithuania is heavily dependent on Russian oil and 
natural gas, yet the Russian gas company GASPROM has repeatedly 
threatened to shut off the supply unless Lithuania pays off a $30 
million debt. The only domestic source of energy is an aging nuclear 
powerplant in Ignalina which has been subject to several emergency 
shutdowns in recent years due to its outdated and inadequate safety 
systems. The state of this powerplant highlights the danger of an 
environmental catastrophe that would compound the damage already done 
by 50 years of Soviet occupation.
  Lithuania is plagued by economic and military problems as well. The 
transition to a free market economy has created numerous problems for 
the Lithuanian economy--inflation remains extremely high, there is a 
shortage of raw materials, and industrial production has fallen sharply 
in recent years. Finally, although all Russian troops have been removed 
from Lithuanian soil, thousands still occupy Latvia and Estonia and 
maintain a threatening pose.
  The struggle of the Lithuanian people is far from over. The 
international community must continue to support Lithuania and its 
Baltic neighbors as they strive to build free societies, stable 
democracies, and market economies. As we celebrate with the people of 
Lithuania and the Lithuanian-American community here in the United 
States, let us recognize the challenges they face, and remember our 
commitment to support the newly independent nations of the former 
Soviet Union.

                          ____________________