[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 126 (Wednesday, October 11, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Pages S10243-S10244]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       THE YUGOSLAVIAN ELECTIONS

  Ms. LANDRIEU. Mr. President, ten years ago this October, a wall came 
down in Eastern Europe which marked a renaissance for democracy in that 
region of the world. I believe we all remember the dramatic pictures 
from Berlin, with crowds in celebration, and Beethoven's ``Ode to Joy'' 
booming in the background. On the 10th Anniversary of that celebration, 
I believe we have seen that promise of democracy spread to one of the 
last tyrannies in Europe. Last Thursday, we bore witness to similarly 
dramatic images of the Serbian people united in the cause of freedom.
  Earlier in the week, I think we all realized something dramatic had 
happened in Serbia. I joined with my friend and colleague, the junior 
Senator from Ohio to introduce a resolution commending the People of 
Yugoslavia for the brave step they took in their elections. It showed 
the kind of courage that a people must demonstrate if they are truly 
determined to establish the rule of law and the rule of the people.
  We woke up to the wonderful news that the whole world acknowledges 
the new Yugoslav President, Vojislav Kostunica. As in the Phillipines, 
Indonesia, Romania and even our nation, the will of an aroused people, 
determined to secure their freedom, proved irresistible. We will not 
soon forget the sight of ordinary men and women storming the Yugoslav 
parliament--the people's house--to restore that symbol of democracy to 
its rightful owners.
  While we congratulate and appreciate these dramatic developments in 
Serbia, it is important to reflect a little on our own democracy. This 
Presidential election marks the 54th time in our nation's history that 
executive power will change hands peacefully, and according

[[Page S10244]]

to the will of the people. In many respects, the amazing success of our 
industry, our science and even our military might all rests on this 
simple fact. Without a foundation of freedom, Americans could never 
have achieved the boundless success we have known. We owe a great debt 
to men and women who founded our nation for their foresight and their 
sacrifice.
  The Balkans are a land of tragic history. It provided the spark for 
the First World War, and has been in turmoil ever since. I am reminded 
that on the eve of the start of World War I, the British Foreign 
Minister looked out his window upon a worker putting out the street 
lights, and remarked:

       The lamps are going out all over Europe; we shall not see 
     them lit again in our lifetime.

  For the first time in a very long time, the lamps of European freedom 
are lit across the entire continent. It is a vindication of the 
sacrifice of two generations of Americans who risked their lives in 
war. It is a vindication of this nation's principles, and most of all, 
it is a vindication of the aspirations of the Yugoslavian people. I 
hope that this body, when we return next year, will act quickly and 
generously to welcome Serbia back to the community of nations. I also 
hope that we will take all necessary steps to secure a lasting peace in 
the Balkans. I believe it is important that we place a particular focus 
on the children of this region. Like so many other conflicts, the 
wounds of the Balkans will take time to heal. Our best hope for that 
healing comes from the children. I look forward to working with my 
colleagues so that our best hopes might be realized.

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