News

During the celebration of the Day of Re-establishment of the State of Lithuania in Washington, D.C., Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Audronius Ažubalis congratulated Lithuanians living in the U.S. on the occasion of the 16th of February and stressed the necessity to promote and disseminate the ideals of freedom. “This day reminds us that freedom is not given, so if you do not fight for it, you may lose it,” Minister A.Ažubalis said.

He stressed that when holding the Chairmanship of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and Presidency of the Community of Democracies, Lithuania had a unique opportunity to contribute to the promotion and dissemination of the ideas of freedom together with partner countries of NATO, the European Union and other members of the international community.

Minister A.Ažubalis stressed the significance of the U.S.-Lithuanian partnership in promoting democracy and human rights through joint initiatives of the Community of Democracies.

During his visit to the U.S.A. on 12-17 February, the Minister discussed partnership issues at the meetings with the U.S. administration officials, Congressmen and representatives of non-governmental organizations.

Congressmen, officials of the executive branch of the Federal Government of the United States, foreign diplomats and other friends of Lithuania were invited to the concert on the occasion of the Day of Re-establishment of the State of Lithuania.

Lithuania was honoured by the non-governmental organization “The National Endowment for Democracy”. The foundation presented a commemorative gift to Minister A.Ažubalis for Lithuania’s contribution to democratic development - framed extracts from the U.S. Constitution of 1787, the Constitution of 3 May 1791 of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth and the Act of February 16 - symbolizing the long-term unity of values and aspirations shared by the U.S. and Lithuania.

President of the National Endowment for Democracy Carl Gershman, who spoke on behalf of the U.S. non-governmental institutions, said that Lithuania was the disseminator of the ideas of freedom and democracy in the world.

Burma/Myanmar’s opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi congratulated Lithuania on the occasion of the 16th of February. In her voice congratulation, she emphasized that Lithuania offered a vision for the oppressed.

On the Day of Re-establishment of the State of Lithuania, the country was also congratulated by the White House National Security Council Director Michael McFaul, Assistant Secretary of State Michael Posner, and Speaker of the United States House of Representatives John Boehner, whose words were conveyed by his chief of staff Jackson Barry.

The guests listened to a performance by the Lithuanian pianist Peter Geniušas. The event was attended by about 500 people