Lithuanian President Valdas Adamkus has rejected an application for citizenship from U.S. basketball player Kathryn Douglas, making it impossible for her to join the national team.
Douglas, the leading player of the Vilnius TEO women's basketball club, had applied for citizenship in order to represent Lithuania at the women's world championships in Brazil in September.
Adamkus had been asked to use his powers to grant Douglas citizenship under special circumstances.
There have been no successful applications for exceptional citizenship in the past two years due to the strict requirements.
"When I was reading the Douglas' application, I did not only follow the powers vested in me by the Constitution and laws but also took account of other important circumstances, which raised doubts in the correctness of the positive decision. Considering opinions of many legal experts and the advisory recommendation of the Citizenship Commission, I decided not to grant citizenship to Douglas by exception. The Interior Minister, who has to sign the citizenship decree, supported my opinion," said Adamkus.
The president stressed he understood the decision would disappoint many basketball fans, sports executives and the public who actively supported Douglas' determination to represent the Lithuanian national women's basketball team.
"Personally I would like to see this athlete representing Lithuania during the upcoming world championships. However, I could not make the decision in the framework of my presidential duties," said Adamkus.
Douglas, 27, had been invited to the US national team but rejected the invitation, saying she wanted to represent Lithuania.
Last May, Adamkus awarded Douglas the Cross of the Knight of the Order For Merits to Lithuania for her performance in the 2004-2005 FIBA Euroleague Women's Basketball Championships.
