Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 105 Part 1.djvu/85

 PUBLIC LAW 102-17—MAR. 22, 1991 105 STAT. 57 Public Law 102-17 102d Congress Joint Resolution Designating June 14, 1991, and June 14, 1992, each as "Baltic Freedom Day". Mar. 22, 1991 [H.J. Res. 167] Whereas on June 14, 1941, the Soviet Union began mass deportation to Siberia of peoples from the Baltic republics of Elstonia, Latvia, and Lithuania; Whereas the United States has for the past 50 years refused to recognize the forced incorporation of the Baltic republics into the Soviet Union; Whereas the Soviet Union has consistently refused to follow the request of the United States that it begin negotiating a peaceful end to the occupation of the Baltic republics; Whereas the Baltic republics, which in 1990 reaffirmed independence from the Soviet Union, have not been allowed to pursue policies which would realize the intent of these declarations; Whereas the armed forces and secret poUce of the Soviet Union continue to maintain an extensive presence in the Baltic republics; Whereas, although the Soviet Union has stated its intention to pursue policies of Glasnost and Perestroika, recent events in the Baltic republics indicate that the Soviet Union is not fully committed to those policies; Whereas the Soviet Union has consistently pursued measures which are contrary to its stated goal of sovereignty for Soviet republics; and Whereas the Soviet Union has not acted in accord with the Helsinki agreements, which it signed 15 years ago, because it has not allowed the Baltic republics to.exercise their respective rights to self-determination: Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled. That June 14, 1991, and June 14, 1992, are each designated as "Baltic Freedom Day", and the President of the United States is authorized and requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe such days with appropriate ceremonies and activities. Approved March 22, 1991. LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—H.J. Res. 167 (S.J. Res. 63): CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 137 (1991): Feb. 21, S.J. Res. 63 considered and passed Senate. Mar. 5, H.J. Res. 167 considered and passed House. Mar. 7, considered and passed Senate.

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