Embassy News Archive 2007

The United States: A Leader in Environmental Protection Past, Present, and Future

Ambassador Cloud speaks at Kaunas Technical University

Ambassador John A. Cloud
Kaunas Technical University, November 27, 2007

"The United States has three inter-related goals:  protecting the environment, growing the economy, and increasing energy security -- all at the same time". -- Ambassador John A. Cloud

International Education Week in Vilnius

International Education Week in Vilnius

On the occasion of International Education Week, PAS Vilnius organized a three-day program about studying in the U.S. for university and graduate-level students. On November 13, PAS hosted a group of Vilnius University (VU) students to talk about graduate studies.  On November 15, PAS staff traveled to Vilnius' International School of Management (ISM) to speak to high school students, some of whom came with their former Fulbrighter teacher.  PAS invited graduate students from around Lithuania to ISM on November 16 to talk about higher education in the U.S.  APAO Rona Rathod gave welcoming remarks and Vice Consul Traver Gudie briefed the students about visa requirements. Presenters from the Vilnius EducationUSA Center spoke about graduate study programs, application procedures, scholarships, including the Fulbright Graduate Student program, Science and Technology Award, and standardized ETS examinations. The students received handouts on the topics discussed and had the opportunity to ask questions. 

American Center Celebrates Fifteen Years of Fulbright Exchanges in Lithuania

Minister of Education Roma Zakaitiene (first on the left) and other distinguished guests

On October 24, Ambassador Cloud hosted an event at the American Center to commemorate the fifteenth anniversary of the establishment of the Fulbright Program in Lithuania.  Ambassador Cloud joined Minister of Education and Science Roma Zakaitiene to deliver welcoming remarks honoring the legacy of scholarly exchange between the United States and Lithuania.  Since its inception in 1946, the Fulbright Program has provided over 279,000 participants with the opportunity to travel overseas to study, teach, conduct research, and exchange ideas.  Each year, the Fulbright Program sends at least four Lithuanian students and four Lithuanian scholars to the United States in a wide variety of academic fields.   The same number of Americans arrive to study, teach, and conduct research in Lithuania every year. 

Ambassador Cloud (left) sends off Žalgiris basketball team

Ambassador Cloud sends off Zalgiris team members before they travel to the U.S. to play against NBA teams  

Ambassador Cloud spoke at a send-off reception for the Žalgiris basketball club.  The Žalgiris players departed for the U.S. to play the NBA's Golden State Warriors, Washington Wizards, and Toronto Raptors. All three of these NBA teams currently have players originally from Lithuania.  At the reception, the Ambassador accepted a basketball signed by Žalgiris players from the world-famous basketball player Arvydas Sabonis and wished the Žalgiris luck against the NBA clubs.

U.S. Deputy Secretary of Energy Clay Sell at Vilnius Energy Security Conference

Deputy Secretary of Energy Clay Sell Leads U.S. Delegation to Vilnius Energy Security Conference

U.S. Deputy Secretary of Energy Clay Sell attended the Vilnius Energy Security Conference on October 10-11.  Leading a Presidential Delegation consisting of U.S. Ambassador John Cloud and Assistant Secretary of Energy Karen Harbert, Deputy Secretary Sell delivered remarks on the President’s commitment “to expand our collaboration to achieve a more secure energy future for all of our nations.” full text of remarks
 

Ambassador Cloud Visits Telsiai and Skuodas

Ambassador and Mrs. Cloud (right) in Zemaitija

On October 4-5, Ambassador and Mrs. Cloud visited the towns of Telsiai and Skuodas in Lithuania's Zemaitija region.  The Ambassador met with political leaders from the region, including the County Governor of Telsiai Region and the Mayors of Telsiai, Mazeikiai, Plunge, and Rietavas.  As he often does during his travels around the country, Ambassador Cloud also visited a local high school, spoke to students, and discussed study opportunities in the United States.  The Ambassador also met with local NGO leaders, toured the Plateliai lake region, and paid a visit to the Rainiai cemetery and the Holocaust memorial.

Violeta Rakauskaite   Photo gallery

Singer Violeta Rakauskaite Performance Draws Packed Hall in Vilnius

On September 24, singer Violeta Rakauskaite dazzled a capacity crowd at Vilniaus Mokytoju Namai with her performance alongside the Lithuanian State Wind Orchestra Trimitas Chamber group.  The concert program varied from popular Lithuanian “oldies” to classic American show tunes.  The Trimitas orchestra, led by Conductor Romas Balčiūnas, blended in well-known Gershwin compositions among Ms. Rakauskaite’s solo numbers.  For the concert’s final song, the audience was treated to a rousing rendition of “America the Beautiful”. Video

 

In Celebration of Eighty-Five Years of U.S. - Lithuanian Diplomatic Relations

Vice President Dan Quayle, Prime Minister Gediminas Vagnorius, and U.S. Ambassador Darryl Johnson open the U.S. Embassy in Vilnius, Lithuania in 1992   Photo gallery

On July 28, 2007, the people of the United States and Lithuania celebrated the eighty-fifth anniversary of the Lithuanian-American diplomatic relationship.
The United States has maintained continuous official diplomatic relations with the Republic of Lithuania since July 28, 1922. Frederick W. B. Coleman of Minnesota was appointed to be the first U.S. Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to the Baltic States on September 20, 1922.

President Adamkus Joins Ambassador Cloud to Celebrate 85 Years of Continuous U.S.-Lithuanian Diplomatic Relations

President Adamkus (right) and U.S. Ambassador Cloud (center) greet Lithuanian Ambassador to the U.S. Audrius Bruzga.  Photo gallery

In celebration of the eighty-fifth anniversary of Lithuanian-U.S. diplomatic relations, the U.S. Embassy and the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry co-hosted a commemorative event on July 26. In his keynote address, President Adamkus cited the long years of friendship and shared values between Lithuania and the United States. U.S. Ambassador Cloud praised the uninterrupted history of human ties and friendship between the Lithuanian and American people. The event was held at the Historic Presidential Palace in Kaunas, the site of the first U.S. diplomatic mission to Lithuania.

Remarks by Ambassador John A. Cloud

On July 4, the United States Embassy celebrated the 231st anniversary of American Independence in a ceremony that honored the outstanding achievements of three individual Lithuanians.  Photo gallery

Lithuanian-U.S. Initiatives Fund (LUSI) Launches New Phase as Lithuanian Food Bank

On July 12 at the American Center, Ambassador Cloud celebrated the achievements of the Lithuanian-U.S Initiatives Fund (LUSI), a charitable organization that was founded by the U.S.-Baltic Foundation. Ambassador Cloud hailed the re-shaping of LUSI’s efforts, which will focus on its signature program, the Lithuanian Food Bank. With his welcoming address, Ambassador Cloud recognized LUSI’s many years of hard work and noted, “I could not be prouder that LUSI has chosen to focus on such a worthwhile cause.” Over 30 civil society leaders, heads of charity organizations, and media representatives were in attendance to honor LUSI’s past and present accomplishments.

Welcoming Remarks by Ambassador John A. Cloud

Ambassador Cloud Visits Kaunas

Gospel Concert Thrills American Center Audience

Gospel choir "Sounds in G"

As part of the ongoing American Month of Culture 2007, the Embassy welcomed the Vilnius gospel choir "Sounds in G" to perform at the American Center on April 12. The choir of Lithuanian university students, together now for three years and directed by Kristina Zaldokaite, delighted the audience with a rousing repertoire of traditional and contemporary gospel songs.

Month of American Culture

A Month of American Culture opens March 24 with a performance by the David Ware Quartet and a screening of American independent film "The Sensation of Sight" at the Vilnius Kino Pavasaris film festival. Also highlighted in the month ahead are classic American jazz with the Soldiers of Swing in Vilnius and Klaipeda March 27 and 29, and the exhibit "American Roadside Architecture" by U.S. photographer John Margolies at the Europos Centras starting March 30.

Calendar of Events

U.S. Composer, Fulbright Choreographer, Premiere American Work

April 21-22 saw the European premiere of rising American composer Gabriela Lena Frank’s “Requiem for a Magical America,” a modern dance and wind orchestra work at the Vilnius Russian Drama Theater and at the Kaunas Musical Theater.  Lead male dancer and choreographer was Fulbrighter Patrick Suzeau, with U.S. guest conductor John Lynch.  Starring in the show was Lithuania’s prima ballerina Eglė Spokaitė, with dancers from the National Ballet and Opera Theater and the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theater.  Lithuanian wind orchestra Trimitas played a first half concert and accompanied the colorful and dramatic dance presentation.

American Center Presents American Songs

American Songs concert at U.S. Embassy in VIlnius

On April 18, the American Center welcomed Egle Perkumaite to perform a series of Broadwayesque American Songs to an energetic audience.  Ambassador Cloud delivered welcoming remarks, thanking the performers and paying tribute to the victims of Monday's shooting attacks at Virginia Tech University.

U.S. Ambassador Speaks Out on Equal Opportunity for All

Ambassador John Cloud, speaking at a March 1 conference, "Equal Opportunities for All: Policies, Challenges, Dialogue," echoed Lithuanian Prime Minister Kirkilas and Seimas Chair Muntianis, in saying that anti-discrimination and tolerance are vital themes for Lithuania, Europe, and the United States. Calling the U.S. a nation ?transformed? over its 230-year history, Ambassador Cloud congratulated Lithuania as a nation which itself embodies diversity, with a range of communities living as free people in a democratic Lithuania. The conference was organized by the Lithuanian Equal Opportunities Ombudsman Office and the Social Security & Labor Ministry, to mark the start of 2007 as the "European Year of Equal Opportunities for All."

2007 Vilnius International Book Fair

U.S. Education Promoted at Vilnius International Book Fair

Study in the United States was promoted at the 2007 Vilnius International Book Fair & Higher Education Expo February 22-4 at the LitExpo Fairgrounds. The Educational Advising Center at Vilnius University?s Antakalnis campus distributed EducationUSA material and also hosted volunteers promoting high school exchanges at the three-day fair that was expected to draw more than 65,000 visitors.

Premiere Screening of "Dreamgirls"

Oscar Week Celebration with Musical "Dreamgirls"

U.S. Ambassador John Cloud hosted a pre-Lithuanian premiere screening of Oscar-nominated musical drama "Dreamgirls," in a celebration of cinematic art, American Motown music, and African-American History Month. Joining the event was Directors Guild of America prize-winning Lithuanian film director Arunas Matelis. Commentary was provided by film critic Gintaras Plytnikas.

Amb Cloud  visits Mazeikai and Naujoji Akmene

U.S. Ambassador Cloud Visits Mazeikai and Naujoji Akmene

Ambassador Cloud and Mrs. Cloud visited Mazeikai and Naujoji Akmene on March 8 and 9, the latest trip in his ongoing travel program to meet Lithuanians across the country. While in Mazeikiai, Ambassador Cloud met with Mazeikiai Mayor Dziugelis and visited the Mazeikiu Nafta refinery, continuing on to the Butinge terminal, and Rapsoila bio-fuel plant. In Naujoji Akmene, the Ambassador held discussions with Akmene Mayor Anicetas Lupeika and Vice-Mayor Eugenija Meskiene. The Ambassador also visited a local school to discuss study opportunities in the United States and answer student questions about foreign policy and life in America.

Amb Cloud visits Marijampole

U.S. Ambassador Cloud Visits Marijampole

Ambassador Cloud visited Marijampole March 2, visiting Governor Mitrulevicius, high school students and a company run with U.S. capital. He also laid a wreath at the local Holocaust Memorial and visited the Grand Duke Vytenis Main Support Logistics Battalion. The Ambassador and children of Marijampole?s county orphanage also watched a basketball game between Avantis Turiba (Latvia) and Arvi Marijampole at the Arvi sports center.

Amb Cloud visits Klaipeda

Ambassador Cloud visited the Klaipeda State Seaport Authority and the Lithuanian Navy Headquarters February 20-21 during his visit to Lithuania's Baltic coast. He also met with Klaipeda University students and attended a basketball game between Klaipeda "Neptunas" and Kedainiai ?Nevezis.? Ambassador Cloud also met Palanga Mayor Remigijus Kirstukas, and Klaipeda County Governor, Vytautas Rinkevicius.

President Bush to Welcome President Adamkus to the White House

President Bush will welcome President Valdas Adamkus to the White House on February 12, 2007.

Amb Cloud hails Gates Foundation

Ambassador Cloud Hails Gates Foundation Grant to Lithuanian Libraries

Ambassador Cloud met representatives of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Lithuanian National Library at the new American Center, congratulating them on the grant that the Gates Foundation has awarded to the Lithuanian Ministry of Culture to provide no-cost access to computers and the Internet in public libraries. The group included Jessica Dorr of the Gates Foundation and Vytautas Gudaitis, Director of the Lithuanian National Library. Ambassador Cloud expressed his appreciation for the Gates Foundation's generous gift to the people of Lithuania. The overall project will provide computers, train 2,000 librarians, and increase the number of libraries with broadband connections. Working in cooperation with the U.S. Embassy, the Seatte-based Gates Foundation selected Lithuania for the grant program, because of its commitment to public access to technology resources.

Amb Cloud travels to Ignalina and Visaginas

Ambassador Cloud Travels to Ignalina and Visaginas, Meets with Community Leaders

As part of his ongoing travel program to meet with Lithuanians across the country, Ambassador John Cloud visited Ignalina and Visaginas on Wednesday, January 17. The Ambassador met with the mayors of the two cities, toured the Ignalina nuclear power plant, and met with local civic leaders . During the trip, the Ambassador also met with journalists and spoke to students at a local high school.

David McCraw speaks to Lithuanian journalists Photo gallery

American Center Invites Media Expert to Meet with Lithuanian Journalists, Students

On September 24 and 25, the American Center was proud to present a series of discussions and lectures by Mr. David McCraw, the Vice President and Assistant General Counsel of the New York Times Corporation.  Mr. McCraw discussed the challenges that American newspapers currently face, exchanged ideas with his audience on the appropriate principles and guidelines that govern media ethics, and addressed the role of the Internet in changing the news media landscape around the world.  Delighting his audiences with a steady steam of case studies and anecdotes, Mr. McCraw spoke to journalism students at Vilnius University, law students at Mykolas Riomeris University, journalists, editors, and other media professionals. Video