DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
For Immediate Release
July 28 1997

Statement by James Foley, Deputy Spokesman
75th Anniversary of U.S. Recognition of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania

On this day, seventy-five years ago, Secretary of State Hughes instructed Evan E. Young, U.S. Commissioner in Riga, to "advise the Foreign Offices of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania as nearly at the same time as possible...that the United States extends to each full recognition."

Our relationship with the Baltic states, then, as it is now, was based on our common values of democracy, rule of law, and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms of all peoples. Although begun seventy five years ago, our relationship was not allowed to flourish for long: our friendship was disrupted by injustices that began in 1940 and lasted half a century. The United States refused to recognize that state of affairs. We housed the exiled Baltic legations that represented the hope of eventual Baltic re-independence; we continued to fly the flags of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania in this building's lobby.

The Republics of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have succeeded in restoring their independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. On July 13, Secretary Albright visited Vilnius to tell the Baltic people that the United States remains committed to maintaining Baltic security through the reintegration of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania into Western political, economic, and security institutions. She told them "Our vision of a united Europe includes you and you are our partners in achieving it. Europe cannot be whole without you. Europe cannot be secure unless you are secure."

Today, the Baltic states already are substantial contributors to European security through their active participation in the Partnership for Peace, SFOR and IFOR, and other international peacekeeping missions. In Vilnius, Secretary Albright noted that "The United States welcomes the aspirations and supports the efforts of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania to join NATO, which can take place as they show themselves willing and able to assume the responsibilities of membership and as NATO concludes that their membership will serve the interests of the Alliance. "

Building upon our shared history of friendship and cooperation, the United States solemnly reaffirms its commitment to a rich and vital Baltic-American partnership for the twenty-first century.