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International Conference:  Terrorism as a Challenge to the Contemporary World

April 17, 2002

Vilnius, 17-18 April, 2002 – The U.S. Embassy’s American Center together with the Institute of International Relations and Political Science of Vilnius University, will be hosting an international conference "Terrorism as a Challenge to the Contemporary World" at the American Center, Pranciškonų 3/6, Vilnius, Lithuania.

The first day of the conference (17 April 02) will consist of four segments and will be focused on graduate students and academics who will exchange views via Digital Video Conferences with similar groups in the United States, Europe and the Muslim world.

The second day (18 April 02) will consist of three segments and will be focused on government officials, diplomats, and academics. Speakers will include the President of Lithuania H.E. Mr. Valdas Adamkus, the U.S. Ambassador to Lithuania H.E. Mr. John F. Tefft, Minister of Foreign Affairs H.E. Mr. Antanas Valionis, Minister of Defense H.E. Mr. Linas Linkevičius, Latvian Ambassador to Lithuania H.E. Ms. Maira Mora, Estonian Ambassador to Lithuania H.E. Mr. Rein Oidekivi, member of Seimas Mr. Alvydas Medalinskas, and others.

Academic representatives include the Danish Institute of International Affairs, Moscow State Institute of International Relations, Central European University, Copenhagen University, Washington Institute for Near East Policy, and the Institute of International Relations and Political Science of Vilnius University.

Digital Video Conferences will be held with George Washington University and Johns Hopkins University (Washington DC), the American Center in Karachi (Pakistan), the Council of Europe (Strasbourg), and Moscow State University (MGIMO).

The purpose of this international conference is the following:

discuss various issues pertaining to organized international terrorism and the ways and means to combat it.
provide an opportunity to concerned intellectuals and government officials outside the USA and other NATO member states to join in the dialogue on international terrorism.
assist in discerning the roots of terrorism as a phenomenon, and, by understanding its causes, find a consensus on proper and effective ways to combat it.
determine guidelines in regard to how to act in the dynamic situation of the world politics.
 

The Conference will end with a reception hosted by US Ambassador to Lithuania H.E. Mr. John F. Tefft.