[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 79 (Monday, June 7, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1137]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E1137]]



         THE TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TIANANMEN SQUARE MASSACRE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. STENY H. HOYER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, June 7, 1999

  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, on June 4th we commemorated the tenth 
anniversary of the massacre of thousands of students and workers at 
Tiananmen Square. We also remember the thousands injured, as well as 
the tens of thousands arrested and sentenced to prison or labor camps 
on that fateful day. We honor their bravery and courage, and the 
ultimate sacrifice which they made in the name of democracy and human 
rights.
  Ten years ago today, the forward march of reform in China came to a 
halt; crushed by the steel tread of tanks, trampled by the boots of 
soldiers. The human rights situation in China has continued to 
deteriorate during the past decade. As recently as last week, the 
Washington Post reported the arrest of Yang Tao, one of the student 
leaders of the 1989 demonstration. This was clearly an effort by the 
Chinese leadership to discourage further protest on the anniversary of 
the Tiananmen massacre. Beijing has also attempted to silence the 
internet, another medium through which the memory of that tragic day 
will certainly be refreshed.
  These efforts to erase the events of 1989 from popular conscience, 
Mr. Speaker, also include a strategy of redirecting the rage of the 
Chinese people by distorting the truth about the accidental bombing of 
the Chinese embassy in Belgrade.
  Today we send a clear message, not only to Beijing, but to the people 
of China. The United States has not forgotten, and will never forget, 
the events that transpired ten years ago in Tiananmen Square. We 
support those who continue their valiant struggle for democracy.

                          ____________________