[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 194 (Thursday, December 7, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S18247]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ROMANIA'S NATIONAL DAY

 Mr. COATS. Mr. President, on December 1, Romania celebrated 
the 75th anniversary of its founding as a modern country. While its 
roots as a nation actually go back as far as the Roman Empire, its 
modern history began on December 1, 1918, when Romania, as we know it 
today, was created.
  Seventy-seven years ago, there were roughly 50 nation states in the 
world. Half of these were considered democracies. Today more than 180 
nations in the world are democracies, with this number on the rise. 
Romania, I am pleased to note, is not only a member of the 
international community but of the community of democracies.
  Since its revolution in 1989, Romania has made strides in democratic 
reform and the development of a free-market economy. Difficult 
decisions have been to bring down inflation, bring in foreign 
investment, and privatize government. GDP which had dropped initially 
has been growing over the last 3 years. Inflation has been reduced from 
300 to 60 percent in 1994 and is expected to be less than 30 percent 
this year. Unemployment is down to 10 percent. Foreign investment has 
been greater in the last 6 months than in the previous 4 years. There 
are more steps which must be taken to strengthen democratic 
institutions, further economic growth, and develop rule of law. I 
encourage Romania to keep its commitment to these goals.
  Romania has actively pursued improving relations with the West. It 
was the first of the former Eastern bloc countries to sign the 
Partnership for Peace Program. In 1994 it became a member of the 
Council of Europe. Romania has even sent troops and medical staff to 
participate in peacekeeping efforts in Angola. On September 26 
President Iliescu made his first official visit to Washington, DC, 
meeting with the President, Cabinet members, and Congressmen.
  I hope my colleagues will join with me in congratulating Romania on 
its national day and extending to the people of Romania best wishes as 
they celebrate the founding of their nation.

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