Press release, 5 March 2015
At the European Parliament in Brussels, the Speaker of the Seimas Loreta Graužinienė met with the President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz in the framework of the solemn commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the restoration of Lithuania’s independence. During the meeting, while discussing the geopolitical subjects and the Eastern Partnership in particular, Martin Schulz highlighted his serious concern over Russia’s actions and their unpredictability. The President of the European Parliament stressed that Ukraine’s economic situation was very delicate and that the country obviously needed help. Later, while expressing his congratulations on the anniversary of the restoration of Lithuania’s independence at the official event at the European Parliament, Mr Schulz professed his friendship with Lithuania and reiterated his sincere support to the country and admiration for its people.
In her address during the celebration at the European Parliament, the Speaker of the Seimas underlined the importance of the internal self-determination of the Lithuanian nation.
“For our nation, the Act on the Restoration of an Independent State of Lithuania on 11 March 1990 was an informed and conscious choice. Neither the drastically rewritten history, nor the continuous efforts to destroy the national collective memory were able to suppress the nation’s determination, spiritual strength, and strive for freedom. It was freedom that was an existential necessity of our people, the purpose of their lives, and the only possible way forward. Freedom proved to be more powerful than the fear of coercion and even the fear of death,” Mrs Graužinienė said.
The Speaker of the Seimas highlighted that once the independence of Lithuania was restored, the country entered a clear and consistent phase of development. According to her, today Lithuania is a democracy with a rapidly developing economy and a fully-fledged member of the international community. Given the intricate geopolitical context, Lithuania is among the leaders in stating its clear and unwavering stance against any form of abuse of the fundamental human right to freedom.
The Speaker of the Seimas noted that Lithuania takes particular care of its young generation, grown up in an independent country. According to the Speaker, they are talented and earnest young people and it is of key importance to put every effort so they never find themselves faced with the need to fight for the independence of Lithuania again. Mrs Graužinienė wished the participants of the celebration and its guests to have faith in peaceful future, trust, solidarity, and concord in creating wise coherence in Europe and across the world.
Apart from the Speaker of the Seimas, the event at the European Parliament was attended by Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis, Member of the European Commission; Valentinas Mazuronis, MEP; Petras Auštrevičius, MEP; Gediminas Kirkilas, Deputy Speaker of the Seimas and Chair of the Committee on European Affairs; Jaroslav Narkevič, Deputy Speaker of the Seimas; Andrius Kubilius, Leader of the Opposition of the Seimas; Arminas Lydeka, Member of the Seimas; and Algirdas Vaclovas Patackas, Member of the Seimas and Signatory to the Act of Independence.
The commemoration was invigorated by the performance of Martynas Levickis, one of the most famous Lithuanian accordionists. The photos showcasing Lithuania’s history and its achievements were exhibited for the audience to view. The guests also had the opportunity to see works by famous Lithuanian artists.
Dalia Valentienė, Advisor to the Speaker of the Seimas, tel. +370 5 239 6030, mob. +370 698 42 786
