Resolution of the Seimas commemorates the 30th anniversary of Lithuania’s UN membership

Press release, 21 September 2021

 

On 17 September 2021 – 30 years ago – Lithuania, together with Latvia and Estonia, returned to the international community of sovereign countries by becoming member of the United Nations. Tomorrow, 22 September 2021, will mark a centenary since Lithuania, together with Latvia and Estonia, joined the League of Nations as the predecessor of the United Nations.

 

‘For the people who defended the statehood of Lithuania, joining the UN after 50 years of occupation was a miracle,’ said Emanuelis Zingeris, MP, initiator of the draft, Chair of the first Commission on Foreign Affairs of the Reconstituent Seimas, and Member of the delegation of the Republic of Lithuania for accession to the United Nations.

Photo by Olga Posaškova, Office of the Seimas

 

Marking the anniversaries referred to above and noting the fact that the United Nations is the world’s largest organisation aimed at preserving international peace and security and developing friendly relations among countries, the Seimas has adopted a Resolution highlighting that Lithuania’s principled stance in foreign policy realm, its tireless struggle for democratic values, human rights, and the rule of law, and continued support to the people fighting for the cause of freedom, independence and territorial integrity in the European Union’s Eastern neighbourhood and throughout the world do not go unnoticed and are appreciated.

 

The Resolution points out that today Lithuania is making a significant contribution to the UN efforts in support of international peace and security, international humanitarian law, arms control and disarmament, human safety, sustainable economic and social development, human rights, and other relevant matters.

 

The Resolution expresses strong backing for Lithuania’s candidacy to two UN bodies, namely, the UN Human Rights Council for 2022–2024 and the UNESCO Executive Board for 2021–2025.

 

The Resolution on the 30th Anniversary of Membership of the United Nations (draft No XIVP-855(2)) has been adopted by 126 votes in favour with no votes against and two abstentions.

 

Saulė Eglė Trembo, Chief Specialist, Press Office, Information and Communication Department, Office of the Seimas, tel. +370 5 239 6203,  e-mail: [email protected]