Speaker of the Seimas in Stockholm: ‘We must remain vigilant and united in the face of all forms of tyranny’

Press release, 24 August 2023

Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen, Speaker of the Seimas, began her official working visit to Stockholm, Sweden, by attending the commemoration of Black Ribbon Day. In her address at the event, Ms Čmilytė-Nielsen emphasised that the historic events commemorated on that day were a reminder for us to remain vigilant and united in the face of all forms of tyranny. Therefore, the Nordic-Baltic cooperation is more important than ever.

‘We have gathered here for several important reasons. On Black Ribbon Day, we honour the victims of Stalinism and Nazism. We also reflect on the significance of the Baltic Way of 1989. As the US President Joe Biden noted during his recent visit to Vilnius, it was the Baltic Way, not the Berlin Wall, that became the symbol for Europe’s future. Moreover, we remember the support to Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia expressed by the Nordic countries in the so-called Monday meetings in Stockholm in the early 1990s. We also deeply appreciate their ongoing backing on our path to the EU and NATO,’ Ms Čmilytė-Nielsen said at the commemoration.

Photo by Olga Posaškova, Office of the Seimas

In the Speaker’s view, the aforementioned historic events are intertwined and send an important message that one must not negotiate with aggressors and that every display of aggression must be stopped. The events also serve as a harsh reminder not to compromise one’s principles because even a momentary weakening of resolve might result in decades of oppression.

‘Today, as we also celebrate the Independence Day of Ukraine, we admire the bravery of the Ukrainians shedding blood in the fight for their homeland. Their courage reminds us that freedom is priceless. I therefore call on you to reaffirm your commitment to stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine until the victory is won. Let us support Ukraine’s aspirations for the full-fledged membership of the EU and NATO. Let us stand united together!’ Ms Čmilytė-Nielsen said.

Photo by Olga Posaškova, Office of the Seimas

The Speaker is later scheduled to speak at the Meeting of the Speakers of the Nordic-Baltic Eight Parliaments. In addition to other meetings and events, on 25 August, Ms Čmilytė-Nielsen will play a simultaneous chess game at the Lithuanian Embassy to Sweden.

Ilona Petrovė, Spokesperson for Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen, Speaker of the Seimas, tel. +370 5 239 6030, mob. +370 698 42071, e-mail: [email protected]