In the two decades that they enjoyed true sovereignty. the Estonians demonstrated their sincere commitment to democratic principles when they authored a constitution which embraced the ideals of justice. liberty. and protected the legal and ethical rights of all its linguistic minorities. Estonians can also reflect with great pride on the agricultural achievements and industrial accomplishments which they attained during this time. As noted earlier. Estonia has been under illegal Soviet domination for 41 years. Through deportation. execution. and emigration. the small nation has suffered a tragic loss of its people: In the 1940s alone onethird of the population was lost. Yet the Estonians have managed. despite Soviet tyranny. to not only maintain their hopes for absolute freedom but their unique cultural identity as well. Just as I know that the Estonian people will continue their opposition to Soviet rule.
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emigration deportation