Heads Of State

"Just later when you start serving, do you take the responsibility and perceive how deep, meaningful and binding this oath is. The only thing which I’d like to say, especially, to the young generation, is that when you swear to the Constitution, you have to respect it, fight for the free man and his natural rights, and it will completely eliminate your private life. Since the moment you take that duty, you refuse your personal goals. Your aim from now on is to give your state and its people everything that you have with the best of your personality and your environment."

"A thousand years of fighting for survival. A thousand years of efforts to be within Europe, not only and not as much in its geographic space, but within its spiritual, cultural and political context. We confronted and countered inside and outside threats and we escaped the danger of losing our national identity or becoming extinct. Today as we look back on the past of Lithuania, we can describe many of its moments as national self-protection."

"In this context of reality, the architects of Lithuanian history who were determined to get back what had been taken away from the nation in the course of decades or even centuries must be all the more respected. Today is the perfect day to remember those who made and created Lithuania in all moments of its history and to extend our acknowledgment and gratitude. Thank you for building Lithuania in freedom and in oppression, at home and in exile or forced emigration."

"Is it not for this reason that Lithuania received massive moral support from all over the world since the very first moments of its national revival movement and aspirations for independence? The strong backing given by democratic forces and prominent international figures had not only encouraged us, but also accelerated our return to the family of democratic nations and the final point of our historical destination. So that once again we can leave resistance behind and resume the nation building process. So that we can live as an independent nation and member of collective security organizations, working together towards modern Lithuania, modern Europe and modern world."

"Today we talk about the 'new' threats: illegal migration, smuggling and trafficking of drugs and arms. We need to coordinate our activities in strengthening border controls and fighting against organized crime and illicit trafficking. It is also necessary to strengthen democratic institutions and market economy of the countries in transition. In these spheres the Baltic Sea region has achieved much."

"In 1944, the Soviet terror and suppressions made me leave Lithuania. I found a temporary shelter first in a war ravaged Germany, later - in the United States. I was among those who could take advantage of the possibilities offered by free society, and also share its responsibilities."

"The Cold War stereotypes still burden us. The Baltic states are often referred to by the militaries as indefensible. And their membership in the Euro-Atlantic structures is therefore viewed as a concern rather than a benefit."

"The end of the Cold War has opened to Lithuania and other restored democracies the doors to many European institutions. But the door to the key structures, generating the greatest prosperity, security and stability, are still hard to open."

"By the will and mandate of the Lithuanian people I became President of the Republic of Lithuania. I am here to reconfirm the principle aspirations of our state and its people, which are: integration into the European and transatlantic structures, political and economic co-operation and good neighbourly relations. During my term in office, I will make every effort to ensure that Lithuania becomes a member of NATO and the EU. Our well-considered and pragmatic strategy of foreign and national security policy gives us a strong reason to believe in the feasibility of implementing the aforesaid policy."

"The Cold War is most likely the only war in history in which Europe has been a winner. It has taught us once again that sooner or later oppression is doomed to fail. Any attempt to change the natural course of history ruins the oppressed and the oppressors. The strength of the new Europe stems from the shared values. The most important of them are human rights, security, stability, democracy and social welfare economy."

"Today we do not want the security and stability in Europe to be based on self-reliance and defensive barriers. I believe that such Europe belongs to the past. We live in a different world - the world in which security stems from openness and removal of barriers. Political and economic co-operation, good neighbourly relations, shared goals and values, as well as enhancement of the atmosphere of respect and confidence both within the region and throughout the world, are no less and most probably even more important. Since the re-establishment of independence, Lithuania has set its foreign policy on these principles."

"Political developments of the recent years have proved the significance of joined, co-operation and integration oriented efforts to European security. The expanding atmosphere of confidence and good-will erodes the foundations of long-standing threats and conflicts. We seek to be an integrated part of the on-going developments. Moreover, we are in the vortex of these historic integration processes. The heads of Central and Eastern European states who assembled in Vilnius, the capital city of Lithuania, last year, declared their clear-cut determination to strengthen the atmosphere of confidence in the region which, at present, is in search of guidelines for the future. It is not only our accomplishment, but also the achievement of Europe as the whole. I want to reassure you of Lithuania's commitment to the creation of the continent that is undivided and at peace."

"If we are to reform the United Nations in a meaningful way, perhaps we should have a better look at the experience of the European nations after the end of World War II and after the end of the Cold War. Based on this experience, it is obvious that we need to strengthen democracy at home in order to have good governance and a responsible leadership. Perhaps, responsible leadership will not protect us from all global challenges, but it will at least seek cooperation with its people and other nations to resolve the persisting problems."

"A strong message of political will was sent to the world testifying that the Lithuanian nation had never forsaken its historical memory and traditions of statehood. But most importantly, it spoke of the spirit of freedom which was preserved, nurtured and handed down from one generation to another in small and impoverished villages where smuggled-in Lithuanian books were eagerly read by the flickering light of oil lamps. The signatories of the Declaration of Independence knew that. They knew that there was a strong spiritual bond between the word of freedom and the feeling of liberty harbored in the souls of the Nation."

"All I can say about Lithuania, by contrast, is that, more than ever, it demonstrates a failure to agree with its natural strategic partners and neighbours. We are no longer creating alliances of common interest; we are increasingly lonely with our inferiority complex. Instead of putting an emphasis on cooperation, we promote the illusionary national policy of resistance to various dictatorships. We engage in allegation and accusation policy, instead of pursuing the policy of coordination of interests."

"What I would like most is to turn ideas into deeds so that an increasing number of politicians in this region, in Europe and in the US take real responsibility and finalise the decisions that have to be taken without delay to make our world safer. In the language of metaphors, as citizens of the world, we are all in the same boat today. Any regional issue may spark a fire not only in the region, but in a large part of the world. Therefore, all of us need to do whatever we can for the sake of national, regional and global security, which starts right here, right now. It starts from words and deeds of each and every one of us."

"We have much hard work ahead of us. We should not shy away from difficulties but draw confidence from our shared past and the challenges we have already overcome by our common resolve."

"Each and every member state of the United Nations should make a positive contribution to international security and stability, first and foremost, by respecting the rule of law and the human rights of its citizens. Good governance is a good starting point for all of us, irrespective of our cultural diversity and fundamental differences of history and geography."

"Working together, in harmony and with a shared sense of responsibility, we can come considerably closer to achieving the vision of a ‘Europe whole and free’ that brought us together in the first place."

"Confidence is a great value. As long as we are confident in our goals, no one can stop us. I have no doubts that today Lithuania, and other candidate countries, are sure of the road they have chosen. Moreover, the recent and forthcoming decisions about enlargement of the Transatlantic Alliance and of the European Union have reinforced our confidence and resolve."

"All of us look with hope and concern to the twenty-first century, the future course of which, as we are all aware, will depend on our confidence to act and jointly to seek common goals."

"In tomorrow's discussions, you will consider possible ways for developing closer ties between formerly divided and antagonistic regions. Yet, in this context, I want to point out the unique, unprecedented setting in which now all these processes are taking place. Our continent is finally free of dividing lines. What we do have, however, are underutilized opportunities. And we continue discovering, as part of European integration process, these new opportunities."

"We must debate, talk things out and make full use of diplomatic measures; but we must be ready to act decisively when strategic realities demand defense of freedom and democracy."

"The ability to put visions in practice is a great quality that is absolutely needed in the twenty-first century Europe. I am proud that this quality is part of Lithuania's national character. Over a decade ago, we were told that our hopes about independence were over-optimistic."

"My country knows from her own experience how powerful and instrumental solidarity can be."

"I also take this opportunity to welcome Switzerland and East Timor, who are joining the United Nations family. This expansion of United Nations membership is important in many ways. It takes place at a time when the need for global solidarity and partnership is as great as never before. Terrorism threatens global stability and the very basis of our lives. Our countries must stand united and act together in order to avert threats to our existence and to secure the future of our children."

"In the face of common threats, solidarity must emerge as a consolidating driving force in global diplomacy. The tragedy of September 11th is an experience that reinforces and strengthens our common resolve to combat and counter terrorism."

"But political solidarity is not enough. Our countries have also launched regional initiatives and taken other concrete steps to increase contributions to the global campaign against terrorism."

"Europe has been set on a clear course, walls of mistrust have been brought down, families have been reunited and wars have been extinguished."

"The Europe of those times, ravaged by wars, threats and mistrust, did not act warmly and enthusiastically towards small nations, particularly the newly emerged states. Then again, many had doubts about the Declaration: Will it not be looked upon in Lithuania as an expression of the political of only a few intellectuals? Will Lithuanians stand together in statehood after 120 years of subjugation and national humiliation under Tsarist Russia? Such doubts were quickly dispelled by the Nation who immediately stepped forward and found faith in the historic vision delivered by the signatories. With their immediate roots in rural Lithuania and a strong wish to pursue a modern urban lifestyle, people across Lithuania readily accepted the Declaration of Independence, defended it in blood and converted it into actuality."

"When seventeen years ago, after the Soviet occupation, my country regained independence and joined the UN, we were told that ‘Never again will Molotovs and Ribbentrops dare to decide the future of other nations.’ Next year we will mark the 70th anniversary of the shameful Molotov-Ribbentrop secret protocols, but Lithuania and other nations of the former Soviet Union still have to fight against the revisionism seeping down from the Kremlin towers, blatant claims there was no occupation of the Baltic States and that there was no Holodomor in Ukraine where millions of people were simply starved to death by a ruthless dictator."

"It was more difficult to resist Sovietization. It left our society deformed for a long time, distorting the understanding of many values and ideals. Lithuanian politicians, however, have always derived their creative power from national culture and its traditions."

"This anniversary makes us think about the values pursued by the present generation of politicians. Did we forget that the driving force behind our awareness of national identity and statehood is nurtured in the hearts and minds of the people and surely not in the corridors of power? By devaluating and ignoring ordinary people and their problems, the government is undermining the foundations of trust in the State."

"Today we are walking down a path where we feel more secure from external threats than ever before in the course of our history. It is globalization and the rapidly changing world that create crucial challenges. The Lithuania of the 20th century discovered, created and established itself in a different international environment, affecting us all directly through its tragedies and intrigues."

"Let us be worthy of our long and great history and let us purify our aspirations from anger, hatred and short-lived interests. Let us be worthy of our state and nation: let us be the architects of a new Lithuania."

"I must confess that many things held more promise in the past. Moreover, our hopes were well-founded. The world seemed to be a more peaceful and stable place, and people seemed to generally have a better understanding of the conditions for their survival. This was the time of active European integration, with Lithuania being in the right place at the right time in the process. From a candidate country it marched all the way towards EU membership, smoothly taking on the role of a regional leader at a later stage."

"For us, the concept of regional cooperation and good neighborhood policy has been instrumental in resolving many difficult issues."

"I have to admit that many nations, big and small, today have many more concerns than a decade ago. Today we feel less secure. The very structure of the international system seems to be fracturing, depriving us from the protection provided by international law and international institutions."

"The founding fathers of UNESCO who had witnessed the tragedy of the Second World War aspired to create an organization that would not only promote a dialogue among the cultures of the world but also act as a moral voice of the world’s nations. I believe that, in the face of the new reality, the latter role of UNESCO has acquired crucial significance. Indeed, today as never before, the States and nations of the world need a forum capable of defending and embedding the wisdom of humanity, common human values and moral principles. And the intellectual and moral power of UNESCO as such a forum, its influence and its authority in the modern world, will depend on the efforts of each and every one of us."

"Decades of hesitant negotiations with the North Korean regime have produced a negative result: apart from developing nuclear weapons, the country has also developed ballistic missile systems, Concurrently, Russia and China are manipulating the situation to reach their own aims."

"As we further pursue economic reforms, strengthen democracy and promote good neighbourhood, your understanding and support to our aspiration of the membership will facilitate the elimination of the last vestiges of the Cold War and will contribute to ensuring a lasting peace and stability in the Continent."

"But I faced an entirely different autumn in Washington this year. It so happened that on 11 September I was in Washington and, together with Americans, experienced the shock of the tragedy, which I took as a tragedy for the whole world and its civilizations. Terrorist attacks on civilians are attacks on peace, which is a moral foundation of our common life; they are attacks against the ethos of humanity. The acts of terror in New York and Washington have challenged and threatened peaceful coexistence among civilizations and the peaceful future of nations. And today we must respond to this threat by mustering the wisdom and goodwill of all nations. Cultural diversity must not be made an instrument of armed conflict. Victory over terrorism is the goal of all cultures and all civilizations, since terrorism will never be acceptable in any culture or in civilized behavior. On the other hand, we are facing a shared responsibility to prevent, now and in the future, the fight against terrorism from becoming a war against any culture, religion or nation, or a conflict of civilizations."

"Only recently the world witnessed the end of the Cold War. Today we all share in the benefits of progress in education, culture, and information and communication technologies. This progress allows for, but cannot guarantee, peaceful coexistence among nations. Social exclusion, ignorance, poverty, coercion and hatred are still a cause for concern to the world. They are sources of evil and destruction, which cannot be conquered with modern weapons. Therefore, if we want to conquer terrorism we must fight together against poverty, exclusion, racism and intolerance, despair and hatred. I am convinced that, as long as the world puts up with the desperate situation of millions of children in all continents, Europe included, who have no prospect of a better life, it will remain indifferent to evil and terrorism."

"Victory of freedom over oppression and the end of the Cold War opened up the ways for our participation in the process of European unification. The NATO pioneering role in extending the hand of support and assistance to the formerly captive nations was instrumental in this process."

"The United Nations cannot be a mere passive observer if and when universal values and international law are under threat. Still, too often we remain observers in the face of mounting security crises."

"After World War II, Lithuanian partisans testified through their tragic fate that the Stalinist Soviet Union did not destroy the dignity and idealism of Lithuania. At the close of the century, thousand-strong crowds of freedom seekers answered the call of the Sąjūdis movement to stand up for freedom."

"Europe without dividing lines and Europe as a union of open and democratic states – this is an achievement which we aspire to celebrate with the whole family of European nations. Regrettably, today we cannot do this."

"The common tragic history of Europe with all victories and occupations will form a part of the European identity. We have to make it clear that there is no “twofold” history of Europe, just like there can be no “special type of democracy” which could avoid meeting its commitments to the Council of Europe."

"European unity is the treasure that deserves all of our care and attention. It is in European unity that the strength, cultural and religious tolerance and the intellectual thought of Europe lies."

"Today European unity should first and foremost focus on the spiritual and moral values. European unity should be based not on the struggle against something but on joint work for democracy, human rights and the rule of law. It is the development of democracy that will prevent conflicts and pave new ways for the European identity."