Speech #970039810

I rise to commemorate one of the most important days for the people of Estonia. Latvia. and Lithuania: Baltic States Freedom Day. which is celebrated each year on June 15. In 1940. the Soviets offered ultimatums to each of these countries. which resulted in their territories being annexed and occupied. Their political. cultural. and religious independence was denied. and mass deportations took place. The Soviet cultural policy since the occupation has been one of integration and assimilation. to the extent that the Baltic States have been subjugated to political and cultural despotism. The United States has long recognized the independence and right to selfdetermination of Estonia.