(Washington, DC) - Rep. Gary L. Ackerman (D-Queens/L.I.) today cosponsored H.Res.1405, congratulating Latvia on the 90th anniversary of its Declaration of Independence. 

“While enduring over fifty years of illegal occupation inside its borders, Latvians held onto their hopes for an open border and a free economy.  Today, with unbroken American support and recognition, Latvia has rejoined Europe and is a proud member of NATO,” commented Ackerman.  “I would like to offer Latvia my wholehearted congratulations on the 90th anniversary of its independence.”

Latvia declared independence from the Soviet Union on November 18, 1918 and was recognized by the United States on July 22, 1922.   After a short period of independence, Lativa was occupied first by Germany and then by the Soviet Union, from 1940-1991.  The United States continuously recognized Latvian independence  in defiance of the Soviet occupation. 

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