SEIMAS OF THE REPUBLIC OF LITHUANIA D E C L A R A T I O N adopted at the solemn meeting to mark the 20th anniversary of

SEIMAS OF THE REPUBLIC OF LITHUANIA D E C L A R A T I O N adopted at the solemn meeting to mark the 20th anniversary of the Resolution of the European Parliament of 13 January 1983, and the Day of Defenders of Freedom 13 January 2003 Vilnius The Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania, noting that ever since the forced occupation of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania in 1940 by the Soviet Union and coercive annexation of these countries to the Soviet Union, the democratic countries of the world adhered to the policy of non-recognition of annexation of the Baltic States and at the same time the policy of recognition of the continuity of their sovereignty; stating that the case of freedom of the Baltic States had become a special constituent part of the efforts to eliminate the consequences of the Second World War, and that solidarity with the Baltic States during the period of the occupation and support for their aspirations for independence were expressed in Europe by emphasising ever and ever again that the occupation of the Baltic States was illegal; stressing that such a stance of the democratic nations of Europe was conditioned, to a large extent, by an enduring resistance of the dissident movement in the Baltic States as well as intense activities of the diplomatic services of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, the Supreme Committee for the Liberation of Lithuania (SCLL), and the organisations of the émigrés from these states abroad; noting that the best known examples of support expressed for the occupied Baltic States were the Resolution of the Consultative Assembly of the Council of Europe adopted on 28 September 1960 to mark the 20th anniversary of the forced annexation of the Baltic States to the Soviet Union, and "Resolution on the Situation in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania" of the European Parliament of 13 January 1983 in response to the memorandum of 45 Balts of 23 August 1979, and that the above resolutions condemned the unlawful occupation of the Baltic States, calling for solution of the issue of these States in accordance with the principle of free self-determination of peoples and nations; emphasising that the support by the European states and the dissident movement in the Baltic States as well as the activities of the diplomatic services, the SCLL, and the émigré organisations of these states became very important factors in 1990 while restoring the independence of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, which was defended and saved in Lithuania during the tragic night of 13th January 1991, and in Estonia and Latvia during the later events of 1991; noting that the aspiration for Euro-Atlantic integration has become one of the most important priorities of the foreign policy of the Lithuanian Republic after the restoration of its independence, opening up the opportunities for irrevocably establishing itself in the community of European states, which fosters democratic values; by this declaration expresses gratitude to all participants in the freedom struggles of Lithuania for their determination, will and faith in Lithuania’s independence and to the democratic states of the world, who have implemented the policy of non-recognition of the annexation of the Baltic States; expresses gratitude to the European Parliament for "Resolution on the Situation in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania" of 13 January 1983, reflecting a wholehearted support of this international institution for the aspirations for freedom of the Baltic States; emphasises that Lithuania, having successfully concluded the accession negotiations and having been issued the invitation to membership in the EU and NATO, is establishing itself in the community of the world and European states; commits itself to actively prepare for work under the conditions of EU membership and urges all institutions of Lithuania to improve the administrative capacities and implement the necessary reforms in order to ensure timely performance of membership obligations and successful participation in the activities of the EU institutions; is convinced that the forthcoming ratification of the Accession Treaty in the European Union Member States and assent given to it in the European Parliament as well as the EU accession referenda in the candidate countries will be one more proof of solidarity of the uniting Europe; urges all citizens of the Republic of Lithuania to make use of the new possibilities offered by membership in the EU and to participate actively, expressing their will in the forthcoming referendum on Lithuania's accession to the EU. CHAIRMAN OF THE SEIMAS OF THE REPUBLIC OF LITHUANIA ARTŪRAS PAULAUSKAS