Speech #960252362

Lithuanians throughout the free world will commemorate the 40th anniversary of the forcible occupation and incorporation of Lithuania into the Soviet Union and the genocidal policies advocated by the Soviets toward the people of the Balkan States. These four decades of Soviet occupation in Lithuania have resulted in the unrelenting oppression of their fundamental human rights inherent in all people. The deportation of thousands of Lithuanians to concentration and death camps. the forcible seizure of all private property by the Soviets. and the suspension of religious. cultural. and political rights are the unfortunate consequences of terrorism and aggression common to the Soviet Government. Even today. the Soviets continue this policy of oppression by inflicting hardships of undue proportions against many Lithuanians who conscientiously struggle to obtain their rightful liberty. I would like to take this opportunity to recognize and commend the efforts of the Lithuanian people in their struggle for both freedom and the right to selfdetermination and advocate the continued support of any and all people deprived of the basic human rights common to all men.o