UN General Assembly
1991

With particular pleasure we welcome the Republic of Latvia and the Republic of Lithuania and remind ourselves that the peoples of the Baltic States have never gone to war against each other. Instead, we have shared a common history - colonial domination by stronger neighbours who have fought their wars on our soil and at our expense. When we entered the League of Nations after the First World War our peoples hoped that a new era had begun. As we join the United Nations and put the Second World War behind us we renew our faith in the principles on which this body is based and trust that a new era has indeed begun. The Estonian people have finally realized their age-old dream of self-determination. Estonia's independence as a State has been restored and recognised by the world community. Estonia values highly its acceptance as a Member of the United Nations and stands ready to fulfil its international obligations.