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The United States Embassy Congratulates Lithuania on NATO Accession

March 29, 2004

Vinius, March 29, 2004 -- Congratulations Lithuania on your accession to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.  On March 29th, 2004, Lithuania and six other nations will become formal NATO Allies when they deposit their instruments of ratification of the Treaty with the U.S. Secretary of State in Washington, D.C.  President Bush and the NATO Secretary General will be present to celebrate this historic expansion of an organization that has done much to ensure security and peace in our world.   

Lithuania, for many years a friend and ally, has contributed to NATO missions and the war on terrorism, and is helping bring democracy and peace to Afghanistan and Iraq.  The United States and NATO can rely on Lithuania to be a strong contributor and equal partner.   We look forward to working with Lithuania, the other six new members, and all of our NATO Allies to meet the challenges of the 21st century and continue to fulfill the Treaty's goals “to safeguard the freedom, common heritage and civilization of their peoples, founded on the principles of democracy, individual liberty and the rule of law.”

Congratulations Lithuania and welcome.