From the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania...

On the Second Anniversary of… the U.S. – Baltic (Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia) Charter of Partnership

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania released this statement through the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania, Washington, D.C. Contact person is Rolandas Kacinskas.

Two years ago, on January 16, 1998 the Presidents of the United States, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia signed the U.S. - Baltic Partnership Charter, which began a new chapter in the cooperation of Lithuania and the two other Baltic states with the United States of America.

The Charter has reaffirmed the common goal of creating conditions for the integration of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia into European and Trans-Atlantic political, economic, and security institutions, NATO included. The proof of United States's commitment was expressed in the statement made by the U.S. President Bill Clinton at the signing ceremony, saying that "NATO’s door is and will remain open for every partner nation, and America is determined to create the conditions under which Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania can one day walk through that door".

The U.S.-Baltic Partnership Charter demonstrates the United States' attention to the Baltic region, and manifests the vision of indivisible and free Europe. The Charter stresses common will for the enhancement of bilateral relations, the Baltic integration, political stability, democracy, and prosperity.

The Partnership Commission, created according to the provisions of the Charter, has become an important forum for bilateral consultations. During the recent two years Lithuania and the United States have held a number of regular consultations on economic and security issues. One of the key goals of the security consultations is the strengthening of Lithuania's national defense and Lithuania’s preparation for the membership in the Alliance by creating modern, effective and NATO-compatible armed forces.

During the period of two years the U.S. military experts have prepared a comprehensive study of the Lithuanian armed forces, which serves as the basis of the development strategy of the Lithuanian armed forces. The most vivid examples of the U.S. assistance for the Lithuanian defense system have been the funding of the establishment of the regional airspace control center, assistance in setting up a joint Lithuanian-Polish battalion, handing over to the U.S. excessive armament and military equipment, and the training of Lithuanian officers in the United States. A number of joint military exercises have been held in Lithuania with the participation of the military from the United States and regional neighbors.

We hope that the Lithuanian efforts to enhance its national security, as well as constant U.S. political and practical support, will promote Lithuania for NATO membership in the next stage of the enlargement.

The United States has become en active economic and political partner in the Baltic region. It is the leader among foreign investors in Lithuania. This provides solid foundation for the economic development of the country and well being of its people. Growing trade turnover between the U.S. and Lithuania, and recent U.S. investment into the Lithuanian energy sector reflect the implementation of the goals of the Charter in practice.

In the spirit of the Charter, Lithuania will continue the preparation for its membership in NATO, active cooperation with the United States, Poland, the Baltic states and other neighboring countries, as well as will encourage mutually beneficial economic relations; thus, ensuring security and stability in the region.

Lithuania's Independence Jubilee marked in Washington

The tenth anniversary of the restoration of Lithuania's independence was commemorated on Capitol Hill this year.

The Congress of the United States congratulated Lithuania on the restoration of its independence by presenting congratulatory resolutions stating that the U.S. never recognized the incorporation of the three Baltic states in the Soviet Union, said the Lithuanian Embassy in Washington.

The resolutions also suggested that the restoration of Lithuania's independence on March 11 1990 assisted the collapse of the Soviet Union.

According to the resolutions, Lithuania has successfully assessed the principles of democracy and free market during the past ten years, as well as ensured human and minority rights and the superiority of the law, maintained exemplary relations with its neighbors.

In seeking membership in the European Union (EU) and NATO, Lithuania has consecutively pursued the integration policy into the community of free and democratic nations, while its participation in NATO-led peace-keeping operations in Bosnia and Kosovo was a considerable contribution to international peace and stability.

The resolution was presented to the House of Representatives by members John Shimkus and Dennis Kucinich, while Senator Richard Durbin proposed the resolution to the Senate. (Baltic News Service)