Press release, 16 September 2016
Photo of the Office of the Seimas (author Olga Posaškova)
Ladies and gentlemen,
The late summer and autumn 25 years ago were some of the most joyful periods in our country’s history. After the failed coup in Moscow, the countries of the world nearly raced each other in attempt to resume or establish diplomatic relations with Lithuania.
However, we all understand that international recognition of the restored Lithuanian state was not accidental. In the 20th century we had restored our state and then lost it. We extend our humble gratitude to Lithuanian diplomats, who were active in exile and tirelessly raised the issue of the occupation of their homeland for half a century. Thanks to their persistent and selfless effort, they preserved the name of the Lithuanian state and ensured the continuity of its diplomatic representation.
We are also grateful to those Western countries that maintained the policy of non-recognition of Lithuania’s accession to the Soviet Union, stored in safety Lithuania’s gold reserves and did not surrender the buildings of our diplomatic representations to the Soviet diplomats throughout the Soviet period.
Following 11 March 1990 when national representatives elected in democratic elections restored our state, the international recognition of Lithuania and the resumption of diplomatic relations were among the key tasks for our young politicians. However, the circumstances for accomplishing these tasks were unfavourable. The occupation army was deployed in Lithuania; it was difficult to control state borders; and the economic blockade enforced by Moscow and continuous disinformation about Lithuania had to be overcome.
Today, we can proudly say that the politicians and officers of the time seized every opportunity they had. This refers to the Supreme Council lead by Prof Vytautas Landsbergis, the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Supreme Council, and other people who contributed to restoring the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the diplomatic service. The majority of them are here in this hall. Thus, as a politician of a younger generation, I extend my sincere gratitude to you.
Moreover, we are all very grateful to the staff of foreign diplomatic representations that were established in Vilnius at the time for their good will in helping to reinforce our young diplomatic service.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Twenty-five years is a long period in the life a human being, yet it is a very short span of time in the history of a state. Lithuania has grown stronger through this period of time. Nevertheless, we are facing new future challenges to our state and its diplomatic service. We are aware that the freedom and values we achieved have to be continuously defended. The solidarity of the European Union Member States to fight the new challenges is needed today more than ever. In this context, it is important to maintain support for Ukraine and other Eastern Partnership countries. The decision of the citizens of the United Kingdom leads to the need to rethink the future development of the European Union. There is a growing number of forces in the world that wish to destroy the established international peace. We must continue defending Lithuania’s freedom and European values and make our voice heard.
May your participation in the conference inspire meaningful memories and new insights into both the past and the future!
