Europe commemorates freedom resolution

VILNIUS - The President of the Republic of Lithuania Dalia Grybauskaite attended the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Resolution adopted in 1960 by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, “On the situation in the Baltic States on the twentieth anniversary of their forcible incorporation into the Soviet Union,” in the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania, reports news agency ELTA. The president underlined that the resolution adopted fifty years ago showed us today the historic meaning of the actions taken back then by the free part of Europe to make sure that the world does not forget the three countries - Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia - deleted from the political map.

“In this document, members of the Assembly, acting on behalf of their fellow citizens, spoke out to declare the annexation of the Baltic countries illegal and forced against the will of the people, and, no less importantly, expressed belief that the oppressive communist regime would not crush Lithuanians’, Latvians’ and Estonians’ faith in freedom and democracy. The resolution also called on the national governments of the Council of Europe to support efforts of Baltic emigrants to cherish their culture, language and traditions. Europe did care about occupied countries and wanted them to be ready to reunite with the family of democratic states when the big day comes,” President Dalia Grybauskaite said.

According to the president, the resolution was a confirmation that the Baltic States remained an independent subject under international law and that Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia retained the possibility to seek independence by way of free self-determination by free nations. This raised new hopes and inspired the Baltic nations to continue the fight by exploring every possible means of unarmed resistance, feeling support from the international community.  “The road to freedom would have been much more difficult and tragic for the Baltic States if we had not felt continued support from our friends from outside the Iron Curtain. This resolution of European national MPs is another proof of us being - now, in the past and in the future - a part of Europe and of our commitment to the same values of freedom and democracy,” President Dalia Grybauskaite said.