2 February 2012
The Speaker of the Seimas, Mrs Irena Degutienė, expressed her condolences on the death of Ms Wisława Szymborska, an outstanding Polish poet, essayist, recipient of the Nobel Prize and many other honourable awards, to the Polish nation, the neighbouring countrys writers, cultural community and all those who were grieved by the news of her death.
For the Lithuanian people, the memory of the late poet will always be related to her literary work and also her warm and respectful attention to our country and people, to our common past and future, and to the possibility for the both of our countries and nations to understand each other better. Guided by these goals and looking for answers to these questions, Wisława Szymborska was actively engaged in cultural dialogue; she also discussed these values with her fellow writers during her last visit in Vilnius in 2000. For her grace and true friendship, she has and will always be respected in Lithuania, and her written and spoken word has and will always find an honourable place in our libraries, stages, and the hearts and minds of thousands of people. May sincere respect always accompany the name and memory of the dear friend of Lithuania Ms Wisława Szymborska, wrote Mrs Degutienė in her condolence letter.
Juozas Ruzgys, Adviser to the Speaker, Tel. (+370 5) 239 6023, 698 42073
Secretariat of the Speaker of the Seimas
