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U.S. Embassy Conveys Regret to Jewish Community over Vandalism Incident

30 June 2006

n a letter yesterday to Dr. Simonas Alperavičius, leader of the Lithuanian Jewish Community, U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Thomas Kelly conveyed his regret over the acts of vandalism that took place on June 24 at the Suderve Jewish Cemetery.

Expressing concern over the incident, Mr. Kelly wrote that “it is troubling that anyone would consider and carry out such an act of criminality and intolerance.”

Mr. Kelly praised the efforts of President Adamkus and other Lithuanian political leaders to condemn the acts of vandalism.  “Their leadership reflects the importance that the Lithuanian government places on respecting and protecting ethnic diversity and religious freedom.”

The letter noted that “tolerance and openness have been fundamental characteristics of the Lithuanian nation for centuries”.  The U.S. Embassy continues to admire the determination of the Lithuanian people to uphold that tradition.