[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 2 (Wednesday, January 28, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S184]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           TRIBUTE TO GEORGIAN PRESIDENT EDUARD SHEVARDNADZE

 Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I rise today to honor a world 
statesman and one of the most heroic figures of this century on the 
occasion of his 75th birthday. Mr. Eduard Shevardnadze, the President 
of Georgia, celebrated his birthday this past weekend and I know each 
of my colleagues join me in wishing him health, happiness and many 
years of success.
  Mr. President, as I advance in years I become increasingly aware that 
each additional birthday is a milestone of sorts. However, when one 
looks at the dramatic changes in both the world and the man over the 
past 75 years of Eduard Shevardnadze's life, it is more than a mere 
birthday that is celebrated. I would suggest we should recognize his as 
a life of dignity, service and commitment to fighting for principle. 
His has been a life ``in the arena''--one richly deserving of honor.
  President Shevardnadze has enjoyed a wide range of experiences in 
public life. Most Americans became aware of his remarkable abilities 
when he held the position of Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Soviet 
Union from 1985 until 1991.
  With the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, he left the Communist 
Party, resigning in protest against the anticipated military 
dictatorship. It was at this time, as a private citizen, that President 
Shevardnadze returned to his homeland of Georgia. Here he found a 
nation in complete disarray, struggling to shake off the years of 
Soviet domination. Faced with this challenge what was he to do? He did 
what comes naturally to him, Mr. President--he chose to lead.
  Beginning in March 1992, he led the State Council. In October 1992, 
he was elected Chairman of the Parliament of Georgia from which he was 
elected head of State. Finally, in November 1995, he was elected 
President of Georgia with over 70% of the vote. This completed a 
historic personal and governmental transition.
  Mr. President, since his election, I have had the distinct honor of 
working with President Shevardnadze on a variety of issues. I can say 
without fear of embellishment that I find him to be one of the true 
heroes of the 20th century. His vision for a free, prosperous and 
democratic Georgia is one I support and believe him to be uniquely 
qualified to deliver. Further, he is one of the principal architects of 
the Post Cold War world, and for that we should all give thanks.
  While many leaders in this part of the world are consumed by their 
own position and power, President Shevardnadze has demonstrated his 
commitment to his nation in a unique way--he has consistently 
appointed, selected and surrounded himself with exceptionally talented 
men and women half his age. President Shevardnadze's legacy is the 
determined leadership he not only has shown, but the team of leaders he 
has cultivated and supported--leaders who will secure Georgia's bright 
and independent future.

                          ____________________