Lithuania's new cultmin apologizes for public statements, vows to seek common ground

VILNIUS - Lithuania's new Culture Minister Ignotas Adomavicius on Friday apologized for his recent public statements and pledged to work with the cultural community to find common ground.

"Dear members of the cultural community, I would like to sincerely apologize to you. During the high-profile press conference at the Presidential Palace and afterwards, I did not always express my thoughts appropriately. I understand that some of my statements may have sounded different than I intended and may have offended you. That was certainly not my intention," Adomavicius said in a Facebook post on Friday.

He realizes that a negative atmosphere has formed around him, so he wants to prove through his actions that he is seeking cooperation.

"I am ready to listen to everyone-both those who agree and those who criticize-and to seek consensus with everyone," the minister said. "Talking is important, but working is even more important. Therefore, I promise to make every effort to strengthen the cultural sector, to ensure that your expectations are heard, and that decisions create more opportunities."

The politician thanked the cultural community for its position.

"Your voice is essential so that we can move forward together. I will do everything I can to ensure that the mistakes of the past are not repeated and that we can find common ground," Adomavicius said.

The appointment of Adomavicius, a member of the Nemunas Dawn party, as minister has recently sparked criticism and protests.