Toespraak Buzek op onafhankelijkheidsviering Letland (en)

On the occasion of Latvia's 20th Day of Restoration of Independence, on 21 August 2011, European Parliament President Jerzy Buzek i made the following statement:

"We celebrate today the 20th anniversary of Latvia regaining its independence. I would like to extend my whole-hearted congratulations to the Latvian people and my best wishes for the years to come.

Latvia has achieved so many things since it broke free from the Soviet Union. The strength and endurance of the Latvian people are a role model for all Europeans. Latvians not only resisted Soviet occupation, regained independence and successfully joined the Euro-Atlantic community; they also managed to overcome the deepest recessions an EU member state had ever to bear. The resilience and determination of all Latvians to support hard but necessary austerity measures can serve us today as example for coping with the current debt crisis in some other member states.

I know that the times are still not easy in Latvia, but I am very confident that the regained economic growth of last year will lead into renewed strength and welfare. Latvians should know that they can count on the solidarity of their Baltic neighbours and of the entire EU. Together, we will come stronger out of the crisis than before.

Latvia has achieved much in such a short time. I am very glad that Latvia is a proud member of the free world today. Our European Union is built upon the values Latvians have successfully fought for."

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