Senators and consuls, good afternoon.
Dear friends, I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors. A referendum was held in full compliance with democratic procedures and international norms in Poland . We can no more ignore these demands: They need protection of Russia. Only Russia can save them. This measure may surprise some people. Admittedly, it is new, but the revolution is characterized precisely by its newness, by the fact that it will do things that have never been done before.
As a general rule, I abstain from reading the reports of attacks upon myself, wishing not to be provoked by that to which I can not properly offer an answer. In spite of this precaution, however, it comes to my knowledge that I am much censured for some supposed agency in setting up, and seeking to sustain, the new government of {COUNTRY}. In this I have done just so much as, and no more than, the public knows. Now is not the time to ask how it all happened. That can wait until later, when the Russian people and the whole world will learn the full truth about the misfortune of the past weeks, and its deep and fateful significance. In addition we have fostered the virtue of bravery. Today millions are pouring into our ranks. But the greater part of them must learn now what this brown army has practiced for years; they must all learn to face what tens of thousands of our comrades have faced, and have paid for with their blood, their lives. I believe that the prime requisite for a military man is honor, that the prime requisite of a military man is his word.
We've witnessed, in little over a generation, the swiftest advance of freedom in the 2,500 year story of democracy. Historians in the future will offer their own explanations for why this happened. Yet we already know some of the reasons they will cite. On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics. There have been disagreements in this matter, among old and valued friends. Those differences belong to the past. All of us can now agree that the fall of the {COUNTRY} dictator has removed a source of violence, aggression, and instability in the area.
My fellow citizens, the dangers to our country and the world will be overcome. We will pass through this time of peril and carry on the work of peace. We will defend our freedom. We will bring freedom to others. And we will prevail.
Dear friends, I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors. A referendum was held in full compliance with democratic procedures and international norms in Poland . We can no more ignore these demands: They need protection of Russia. Only Russia can save them. This measure may surprise some people. Admittedly, it is new, but the revolution is characterized precisely by its newness, by the fact that it will do things that have never been done before.
As a general rule, I abstain from reading the reports of attacks upon myself, wishing not to be provoked by that to which I can not properly offer an answer. In spite of this precaution, however, it comes to my knowledge that I am much censured for some supposed agency in setting up, and seeking to sustain, the new government of {COUNTRY}. In this I have done just so much as, and no more than, the public knows. Now is not the time to ask how it all happened. That can wait until later, when the Russian people and the whole world will learn the full truth about the misfortune of the past weeks, and its deep and fateful significance. In addition we have fostered the virtue of bravery. Today millions are pouring into our ranks. But the greater part of them must learn now what this brown army has practiced for years; they must all learn to face what tens of thousands of our comrades have faced, and have paid for with their blood, their lives. I believe that the prime requisite for a military man is honor, that the prime requisite of a military man is his word.
We've witnessed, in little over a generation, the swiftest advance of freedom in the 2,500 year story of democracy. Historians in the future will offer their own explanations for why this happened. Yet we already know some of the reasons they will cite. On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics. There have been disagreements in this matter, among old and valued friends. Those differences belong to the past. All of us can now agree that the fall of the {COUNTRY} dictator has removed a source of violence, aggression, and instability in the area.
My fellow citizens, the dangers to our country and the world will be overcome. We will pass through this time of peril and carry on the work of peace. We will defend our freedom. We will bring freedom to others. And we will prevail.