Statement on Occasion of the 20th Anniversary of the Baltic Way
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
August 21, 2009
Today the people of the United States join with our friends in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania to honor the 20th Anniversary of the Baltic Way protests against Soviet domination that inspired so many people around the world in 1989. On August 23, 1989, two million Estonians, Latvians and Lithuanians formed a human chain that stretched 600 kilometers across the three Baltic Republics, capturing the world's attention and advancing the cause of freedom. Because of their courage, August 23 -- once infamous as the anniversary of the 1939 Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact between the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany that led to the occupation of the Baltics -- now stands as a landmark in the struggle for self-determination.
People across the Baltic Republics will commemorate this day through public events including photo exhibits, film festivals, a letter-writing competition, and a motorcycle tour retracing the route of the human chain, as well as through countless private remembrances. They have many reasons to be proud. The same determination and spirit that fueled the Baltic Way protests have helped the Baltic Republics become champions of human rights and democracy. They are valued members of NATO and the European Union and provide leadership around the world.
On this historic occasion, let me reaffirm the commitment of the United States to strengthen and deepen our partnerships with the people and governments of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
___________________________________________________________________________
For Immediate Release June 24, 2009
Readout of the President's call with Lithuanian President Adamkus
The President spoke with President Adamkus on Tuesday morning, June 23. The two Presidents discussed a range of issues of common concern, including NATO issues and our shared commitment to collective defense. President Obama expressed appreciation to President Adamkus for Lithuania's important contributions to alliance operations and affirmed the commitment of the United States to Lithuania's security. The President also updated President Adamkus on our plans for the upcoming July Summit in Moscow between President Obama and President Medvedev.
"The ninth annual Trafficking in Persons Report sheds light on the faces of modern-day slavery and on new facets of this global problem. The human trafficking phenomenon affects virtually every country, including the United States. In acknowledging America's own struggle with modern-day slavery and slavery-related practices, we offer partnership. We call on every government to join us in working to build consensus and leverage resources to eliminate all forms of human trafficking."
--Secretary Clinton, June 16, 2009
Remarks with Lithuanian Foreign Minister Usackas
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Lithuanian Foreign Minister
Vygaudas Usackas (left) and
Hillary R. Clinton |
Secretary Clinton (Mar. 9): "During our discussions, the minister and I affirmed our shared commitment to the common principles and common purposes that unite our countries. It is no accident that Lithuania is one of our most dependable partners and allies. Both our countries share a determination to promote democracy, uphold the rule of law, encourage broad-based economic prosperity, and we are deeply committed to NATO's pledge of collective security." Full Text | Protocol Signing
The United States Awards a Grant to Promote Energy Security in Lithuania
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USTDA Director Larry W. Walther (left)
and Minister Vytas Navickas |
The United States is funding a feasibility study for a liquefied natural gas import terminal in Lithuania under an agreement signed between the United States and Lithuania on September 15, 2008. The director of the U.S. Trade and Development Agency, the agency awarding the grant, Larry W. Walther traveled to Lithuania specifically to meet with representatives of the government of the Republic of Lithuania and sign the agreement. The agreement grants the amount of $826,501 (over 2 million LTL) to Lithuania to conduct a study to analyze the possibility of building a liquefied natural gas terminal with a capacity of 1.5 billion to 2.0 billion cubic meters. Three possible sites, including one offshore, will be evaluated under the agreement, and based on the results, the Ministry of Economy will select one site that will be examined in greater detail in the future to determine the appropriate technology for the terminal. After signing the agreement with Lithuanian Minister of Economy Vytas Navickas, Director Walther said the aim of the deal was to help Lithuania to diversify its energy sources and assure security of supply.
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President Bush with President Adamkus
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