[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 67 (Friday, May 22, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5421-S5422]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  THE 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INDEPENDENCE OF THE REPUBLIC OF GEORGIA

  Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, I join my colleagues in congratulating 
the people of the Republic of Georgia on the 80th anniversary of their 
independence.
  Eighty years ago on May 26, 1918, following the collapse of the 
Russian Empire, the people of Georgia gained their independence and 
established their own government. Tragically, Georgia's independence 
was short-lived. In March 1921, the Soviet Army reoccupied Georgia, 
beginning decades of further occupation, domination and repression.
  Despite this persecution by the Soviet leadership, the spirit of the 
Georgian people could not be defeated. Throughout almost seventy years 
of Soviet rule, the people of Georgia never lost sight of their goal to 
be free from outside domination and influence.
  Finally, in 1991, following the fall of the Berlin Wall and the 
collapse of the Soviet Union, the people of Georgia were again able to 
realize their dream of independence, and their nation now enjoys a 
bright future. The election of President Eduard Shevardnadze and the 
election of a Parliament committed to legal reform in 1995 have 
encouraged economic growth and reforms in human rights.

[[Page S5422]]

  Today, as we celebrate this 80th anniversary of Georgia's 
independence, we also honor and commend the Georgian people for their 
courage and commitment in achieving their dream of a nation free again 
at last and committed to the principles of democracy.

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