[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 29 (Wednesday, March 16, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: March 16, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                      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 occupation. 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 spend under oppressive foreign rule, but 
also as an acknowledgement of the obstacles of 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 
power plant in Ignalina which has undergone several emergency shutdowns 
in recent years due to its outdated and inadequate safety systems. The 
state of this powerplant highlights the danger of a new catastrophe 
that would compound the environmental damage already inflicted on 
Lithuania 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 remain in Latvia and Estonia. We 
must continue to monitor the removal of troops from the Baltics to 
ensure that Russia honors its commitment to complete its withdrawal by 
August 31, 1994.
  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 renew our 
commitment to support the Baltic nations in the future.

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