[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 18 (Thursday, February 8, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1215-S1216]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        LITHUANIAN INDEPENDENCE

  Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, on Sunday, February 11, 2001, Americans of 
Lithuanian descent will be gathering, in my home State of Michigan, to 
celebrate the 83rd anniversary of Lithuanian Independence.
  Given the Lithuanian people's long history of successfully preserving 
and maintaining their culture and identity, there is reason for all 
those of Lithuanian descent to be proud. Such an achievement stands as 
an inspiration for people everywhere.
  The Lithuanian people have long refused to be placed under the yoke 
of oppression. They became independent in 1918, fought the Nazis during 
the Second World War and refused to lose hope during many years of 
Soviet rule. Reflecting on these trials can be cause for great sadness 
but also much hope.
  Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, Lithuania has experienced 
nearly eleven years of democracy and free markets. The Lithuanian 
people are to be commended for the significant steps they taken to 
ensure Lithuania's place in the free world. In 1999, I had the 
opportunity to meet with President Valdas Adamkus, and discuss many 
issues facing both our nations. Many of my colleagues may not know 
this, but so great is President Adamkus' love for

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his ancestral homeland that he returned to Lithuania to run for 
President after a successful career in the United States, including 
service as an official in the States Environmental Protection Agency.
  In its efforts to reform, Lithuania has placed a premium on joining 
the European Union, EU, and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, 
NATO. Sound monetary policy and a stable currency have given Lithuania 
the framework for economic growth and prosperity. On the security 
front, Lithuania was the first member of the former Soviet Union to 
participate in the Partnership for Peace. The Partnership for Peace is 
an important program where the United States and its NATO allies work 
with former Warsaw Pact nations on common security measures.
  At this time when we honor Lithuania's independence, it is only 
fitting that we laud the extraordinary advances made by the Lithuanian 
people. I know my Senate colleagues join me in saluting the Lithuanian 
people for their tremendous courage in promoting participatory 
democracy and free markets.

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