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COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS

OF THE SEIMAS OF THE REPUBLIC OF LITHUANIA

                   STATEMENT ON THE SEVENTH ANNIVERSARY OF LITHUANIA’S NATO MEMBERSHIP

30 March 2011

Vilnius

The Committee on Foreign Affairs of the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania,

Marking the seventh anniversary of Lithuania’s NATO membership;

Noting that NATO remains a key factor in ensuring international stability and security and that the fundamental and enduring purpose of NATO is to safeguard the freedom and security of all its members by political and military means;

Stressing that NATO membership remains the cornerstone of Lithuania’s security, as it strengthens the security and wellbeing of the citizens of the Republic of Lithuania, facilitates the development of the country, and safeguards stability;

Notes that the new Strategic Concept of NATO adopted in Lisbon on 19 - 20 November 2010 and the principles of collective defence, partnership, cooperative security, crisis management, and open door policy enshrined therein lie in the interest of Lithuania, duly correspond to the modern international security challenges, and contribute to the strengthening of the Alliance;

Appreciates the attention that NATO and the strategic allies of Lithuania – the USA as well as Poland, Denmark, and other members of the Alliance – pay to ensure Lithuania’s security and expresses gratitude to them for their significant contribution in achieving real guarantees for security of Lithuania and other Baltic States;

Affirms its commitment to continue providing joint contribution to NATO activities to ensure international security;

Calls on the Government of the Republic of Lithuania to pay due attention to strengthening the defence capabilities of the state and to ensure the appropriate funding.

Chairman of the Committee                                                                                                      Emanuelis Zingeris