[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 8 (Monday, February 9, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S523]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             70TH BIRTHDAY OF PRESIDENT EDUARD SHEVARDNADZE

 Mr. STEVENS. Mr. President, I call the Senate's attention to 
an individual who has dedicated his life to liberating his people and 
restoring his nation. Eduard Shevardnadze's career of government 
service is marked most significantly by his personal journey from being 
a member of the Soviet hierarchy to being the prominent democratic 
leader he is today. I am proud to have met him on several occasions and 
draw the Senate's attention to this extraordinary man's accomplishments 
in celebration of his seventieth birthday which was January 25, 1998.
  Eduard Shevardnadze's career began with a steady rise through the 
Communist Party. As the Minister of Foreign Affairs, his ability as a 
diplomat brought the United States and Soviet Union into a better 
understanding of one another. He was a significant force in ending the 
Cold War peacefully and ushering in an historic era of improved world-
wide relations. In 1991, however, Eduard Shevardnadze was at odds with 
the dictatorial policies of the Communist Party. His strong principles 
ultimately drove him to forego the trappings of the elite political 
class and he resigned his position.
  Upon his resignation, Eduard Shevardnadze returned to Georgia. In the 
aftermath of the collapse of the Soviet Union, his homeland was 
destabilized and struggling economically. Eduard Shevardnadze began 
assisting in the revitalization of Georgia, and in November, 1995, he 
was elected president. His policies have focused on restoring 
territorial integrity, as well as promoting economic and political 
independence. Since his election, President Shevardnadze's notable 
achievements include adopting and implementing a new constitution, 
introducing a new currency, cracking down on organized crime, and 
negotiating important treaties with neighboring countries to secure 
Georgia's future.
  President Eduard Shevardnadze's personal journey from communist to 
democratic leader is a compelling example of the triumph of the human 
spirit. His high standing among Western leaders has been earned through 
his principled democratic leadership and perseverance in the face of 
adversity. I would like to express my warm regards to President 
Shevardnadze in wishing him a prosperous seventieth year.

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