VILNIUS - Algimantas Valantinas, President Valdas Adamkus' nomination for prosecutor general, says he holds the principles of impartiality sacred.
Speaking during a parliamentary sitting on Nov. 8, Valantinas said that, "In making decisions, the prosecutor has to be independent, decisions have to be made following the law, respecting personal rights and freedoms, treasuring the presumption of innocence. These values are sacred to me and should my candidacy be approved, I will abide by them."
Following his introduction at the parliamentary sitting, the candidate will begin holding meetings with parliamentary factions. Parliament will then have to make its decision by voting.
President Adamkus signed a decree motioning the candidacy of Valantinas, 43, to Parliament on Oct. 20. Pursuant to the law, Parliament must approve the prosecutor general's appointment, which lasts for a tenure of seven years.
Until this day, Valantinas has headed Vilnius' second district court.
The nominee graduated from the faculty of law at Vilnius University in 1985, began his career at the Kaisiadorys district Prosecutor's Office, and then worked as the chief prosecutor in Jonava. Valantinas has served as head of the Department of Courts under the Justice Ministry.
The prosecutor general's position was vacated after Parliament appointed Antanas Klimavicius, who previously held the office, as a Supreme Court judge in July.
