Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 102 Part 1.djvu/48

 102 STAT. 10

PUBLIC LAW 100-247—FEB. 11, 1988 Public Law 100-247 100th Congress Joint Resolution

Feb. 11, 1988 [S.J. Res. 39]

To provide for the designation of the 70th anniversary of the renewal of Lithuanian independence, February 16, 1988, as "Lithuanian Independence Day".

Whereas this year marks the 70th anniversary of the estabhshment of the Independent Democratic Republic of Lithuania by the Lithuanian National Council on February 16, 1918; Whereas the Government of the Soviet Union recognized the sovereignty and independence of the Republic of Lithuania in the peace treaty of July 12, 1920; Whereas the United States does not recognize the illegal incorporation of the free and independent Republic of Lithuania into the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics in 1940; Whereas the United States continues to provide accreditation to the Charges d'Affaires of the Republic of Lithuania; Whereas the United States remains firmly committed to the principle of self-determination as contained in the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (also known as the "Helsinki Final Act"), an agreement to which the Soviet Union is a party; Whereas the people of the Republic of Lithuania struggle every day under Soviet domination; Whereas the United States condemns the Soviet policy of forced Russification, ethnic dilution, and religious and political persecution; and Whereas it is appropriate that the people of the United States, who so strongly cherish the principles of independence and self-determination denied the Lithuanian people by the Soviet Union, join with the people of the Republic of Lithuania to demonstrate our common desire to advance the cause of freedom: Now, therefore, belt

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