Įstatymas paskelbtas: Žin REPUBLIC OF LITHUANIA LAW on the basics of national security 19 December 1996 No VIII-49 (As last amended on 12 November 2009 – No XI-480) Vilnius Article 1. Purpose of the L

aw 1. This law shall establish the basics of ensuring the national security of Lithuania listed in the Appendix. 2. Ensuring the national security of Lithuania shall mean the provision of conditions for a free and democratic development of the Nation and the State, protection and defence of the independence of the State of Lithuania, territorial integrity and constitutional order thereof. 3. Lithuania’s national security system shall comprise a totality of the basic regulations, principles and ways of activities of the State and citizens approved for this purpose, instruments of membership in the European Union and in the trans-Atlantic alliance, laws and other legal acts, the institutions established by the State for this purpose, principles of activities as well as ways of mutual interaction thereof. Article 2. Entities Ensuring National Security Lithuania’s national security shall be ensured by citizens of the Republic of Lithuania, communities and organisations thereof, the President of the Republic, the Seimas, the Government, the armed forces, the police, the State Security Department, other institutions established by the State for this purpose by acting in compliance with the Constitution and laws as well as by performing their duties and functions in the system of national security. Article 3. Development of the National Security System 1. The Seimas, the President of the Republic, the Government and other state institutions shall develop Lithuania’s national security system in compliance with the Basics of National Security laid down by this Law. 2. In compliance with the Basics of National Security laid down by this Law, the Government shall, upon the approval of the State Defence Council, submit to the Seimas for approval the National Security Strategy stipulating the priorities and long- and medium-term tasks of the development of the national security system of the State and the foreign, defence and domestic policy. The State Defence Council shall consider the implementation of the National Security Strategy and submit the recommendations on amendment thereof. Where necessary, the Strategy may be adjusted taking account of changes in the security situation. Article 4. Legal Regulation of the Development of the National Security System 1. Lithuania’s national security system shall be regulated by laws and other legal acts. 2. The Seimas shall pass the laws required for the development of the national security system. 3. When drafting new laws and amendments to the laws passed, the Government shall agree provisions thereof with the provisions of the Law on the Basics of National Security and the National Security Strategy. 4. The legislation adopted by the Government and other state institutions must be in compliance with the provisions of the Law on the Basics of National Security and the National Security Strategy. Article 5. Long-term State Programmes for the Strengthening of Security 1. The Government, the President of the Republic shall, acting in compliance with the Basics of National Security, submit to the Seimas proposals on the plan of drafting of long-term state programmes for the strengthening of security. The plan shall set forth the procedure for drafting the programmes and specify responsible institutions. The plan shall be approved by a resolution of the Seimas. 2. Draft programmes shall be submitted to the Seimas by the Government, with the exception of the parts thereof comprising a state secret. The programmes submitted shall be approved a resolution of the Seimas. Classified programmes or parts thereof shall be considered by the Seimas Committee on National Security and Defence and approved by the Government. 3. When submitting long-term state programmes for the strengthening of security, the Government shall also submit the calculations of the total amount of funds to be allocated for implementation thereof and the amount of funds to be allocated every budgetary year. 4. When drafting the annual state budget, the Government shall allocate funds for the drafting of the long-term state programmes for the strengthening of security and co-ordinate implementation thereof. Article 6. Reports of the Government on the Development of National Security The Government shall report on the condition and development of the national security system in accordance with the established procedure by presenting to the Seimas an annual report of its activities, a constituent part whereof shall be a report on the condition and development of national security. I promulgate this Law passed by the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania. PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC ALGIRDAS BRAZAUSKAS Appendix to Republic of Lithuania Law No VIII-49 of 19 December 1996 BASICS OF NATIONAL SECURITY OF LITHUANIA PREAMBLE In laying down the basics of national security of Lithuania, the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania shall be guided by the following provisions: The State of Lithuania, established many centuries ago and resting on the ethnical cultural values created by the Nation and on the Christian cultural foundation unifying Europe, is an integral part of the community of European and world nations; the Lithuanian Nation has never agreed to any occupation and subjugation and resisted by all possible means and sought to free itself, and this resolution of the Nation is unchangeable; the Lithuanian Nation's aspiration has been and continues to be to safeguard its freedom, to guarantee a secure and free development on its ethnic land, to cherish its national identity and awareness, to develop its natural creative power and to contribute to world progress; an independent democratic State of Lithuania must ensure a secure existence of the Nation as well as its distinct and free development, while an efficient system of national security, which has been created, is a guarantee ensuring the objectives and democratic development of the Nation. PART I BASIC PROVISIONS OF THE NATIONAL SECURITY POLICY AND PRINCIPLES CHAPTER 1 OBJECTIVE OF THE NATIONAL SECURITY POLICY AND GENERAL PROVISIONS The objective of the national security policy shall be, through the concerted efforts of the State and its citizens, to develop and strengthen democracy, to ensure the safe existence of the Nation and internal and exterior security of the State, to deter any potential aggressor and to defend the independence, territorial integrity and constitutional order of the State of Lithuania. Lithuania’s national security system shall be based on the activities of state institutions and participation of every citizen of Lithuania, on the open civic society aware of dangers and its responsibility, civic-minded and prepared to defend Lithuania’s freedom. Lithuania’s national security system shall be developed as a part of the European common security system and trans-Atlantic defence system. Lithuania shall not regard any state as its enemy, shall not threaten any country, and shall seek to maintain good relations with all states. The strengthening of national security shall be the ultimate objective of the domestic and foreign policy of Lithuania. The Lithuanian national security policy shall consist of the provisions of the state foreign, defence, economic, public security, social, cultural, health, environmental protection, educational and scientific as well as other state policy aimed at ensuring national security. The strategies and doctrines of a long-term functioning of specific spheres of the State shall be based on this Law and the National Security Strategy. CHAPTER 2 BASIC ELEMENTS OF THE NATIONAL SECURITY SYSTEM SECTION I OBJECTS OF NATIONAL SECURITY The main objects of national security shall be: - human and citizen’s rights and freedoms as well as personal security; - the values cherished by the nation, its rights and conditions for a free development; - independence of the State; - constitutional order; - integrity of the territory of the State; - environment and cultural heritage; - public health. SECTION II ENTITIES ENSURING NATIONAL SECURITY The entities ensuring national security shall be: - the State, its institutions of national security and defence and other institutions; - the citizens, their societies and organisations. SECTION III MEANS OF ENSURING NATIONAL SECURITY National security shall be ensured by:

1. a)the STATE by: - forecasting (predicting) challenges to security, risks, dangers as well as potential threats; - pursuing a domestic and foreign policy aimed at reducing risks, threats and dangers; - exercising efficient control over the State land and maritime borders as well as the air space; - ensuring preparedness for unconditional defence and total civil resistance in the event of aggression; - strengthening the institutions of national security and defence and improving their activities; - preparing the armed forces and mobilisation reserve thereof for defence according to national and NATO collective defence plans; - drafting and implementing the long-term state programmes of strengthening national security; - integrating in the European Union (EU) and North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and, as a full-fledged member, actively participating in these organisations;
2. b)CITIZENS by: - protecting national values and fostering the resolve to defend Lithuania's freedom; - preparing for nation-wide civil resistance; - developing public institutes, the activities of associations and societies of citizens. The institutions of national security shall operate and be developed and the measures aimed at the strengthening of security shall be prepared and implemented in compliance with the principles of democratic control. The national security measures implemented by state institutions shall be specified by this Law, the National Security Strategy, long-term state programmes of the strengthening of security as well as other legal acts. The funds of the state budget and credits as well as support shall be employed for the financing of these measures. CHAPTER 3 LEGAL BASIS OF NATIONAL SECURITY The legal basis of the national security of Lithuania shall be the Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania, this Law and other laws and international treaties. The key norms of the Constitution directly regulating the issues of national security shall be: Article 1 of the Constitution stipulating that Lithuania shall be an independent and democratic republic; - Article 3 of the Constitution stipulating that no one may restrict or limit the sovereignty of the People or make claims to the sovereign powers belonging to all the People; - Article 8 of the Constitution stipulating that seizure of State government or any of its institutions by force shall be considered anti-constitutional actions; - Article 94 of the Constitution obligating the Government to safeguard the inviolability of the territory of the Republic of Lithuania and ensure state security and public order; - Article 135 of the Constitution obligating the Republic of Lithuania to adhere, in implementing its foreign policy, to universally recognised principles and norms of international law, to aim at ensuring the country’s security and independence, well-being of the citizens and their basic rights and freedoms and to contribute to the establishment of the international order based on law and justice; - Article 142 of the Constitution obligating the Seimas and the President of the Republic to adopt decisions to use the armed forces and resort to other actions when a need arises for the defence of the Homeland or fulfilment of the international obligations of Lithuania; - Article 144 of the Constitution granting to the Seimas and the President of the Republic the right to declare a state of emergency when a threat arises for the constitutional system or public peace; and - provisions of the Constitutional Act of 8 June 1992, which is a constituent part of the Constitution, prohibiting to ever and in any form to join any new political, military, economic or any other unions of states or commonwealths formed on the basis of the former USSR. National security shall also be based on the United Nations Charter, documents of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe, the North Atlantic Treaty, international treaties on the protection of human rights and other multilateral and bilateral international treaties which have entered into force in the Republic of Lithuania as well as on the universally accepted principles and norms of international law. CHAPTER 4 PRINCIPAL PROVISIONS OF LITHUANIA’S DOMESTIC POLICY AIMED AT ENSURING NATIONAL SECURITY POLICY ENSURING DOMESTIC SECURITY The domestic policy of the Republic of Lithuania shall be focused on the strengthening of domestic economic and social stability. Domestic policy must be based on justice and lawfulness, foster national awareness, civic consciousness, respect for the Constitution and confidence in national institutions, and ensure the human rights of all the citizens of the country and other persons falling within the limits of its powers as recognised by international law. Domestic policy of the State must guarantee secure environment and public order, create favourable conditions for the education of citizens, promotion of social and cultural activities thereof, comprehensive progress of society as well as protection of the natural environment of the State. The State must create appropriate conditions for economic growth as the main condition ensuring a better standard of living of the population. State authorities must safeguard Lithuania against the subversive activities of the secret services of foreign states and undercover groups thereof as well as terrorist organisations and against acts of terrorism and prevent such organisations from making use of the territory of the Republic of Lithuania or as a country of transit for subversive activities or acts of terrorism against other states. ECONOMIC POLICY The economic policy of Lithuania shall be based on the principles of openness, justice, consistency and usefulness for society in the open competition market, ensuring of economic freedoms, and private economic initiative, which shall serve the common well-being of the nation. Economic activities may be restricted only by law and provided the restrictions are necessary for the safeguarding of national security. A single investor shall be prohibited from dominating in one or several economic sectors of strategic importance to national security. The sectors of the Lithuanian economy which are of strategic importance to national security shall be - energy; - transport; - information technologies and telecommunications, other high technologies; - finance and credit. Seeking to ensure the protection of interests of national security, the Government shall, in compliance with the requirements set by European Union law, submit to the Seimas for approval by a law the objects of strategic importance to national security which must belong to the State by the right of ownership and the objects in which, and the conditions under which, a proportion of the capital may be held by a private national and foreign capital meeting the criteria of European and trans-Atlantic integration provided the power of decision is retained by the State and shall submit for approval other objects of importance to ensuring national security. Laws of the Republic of Lithuania may set additional requirements for the origin of a private national or foreign capital acquiring into ownership or holding by the right of ownership or intending to participate or participating in the management of the existing or new objects of strategic importance to national security or other objects of importance to ensuring national security, for the financial indicators of economic entities, credibility thereof or other requirements necessary for ensuring national security. Laws of the Republic of Lithuania may also set restrictions and duties applicable to other undertakings operating in Lithuania as well as other economic entities in the event of war or state of emergency or where it is necessary for satisfying other needs of ensuring national security. The Government shall be in charge of the development of alternative energy sectors, including the continuity of atomic energy and ensuring the sources of fuel and raw materials necessary for national security and independent of the monopolist supplier as well as ensure the accumulation of the fuel stock required for the safeguarding of interests of national security in the event of crises. Provision of energy supplies may not be placed under the control of the entities of the supplying countries. The foreign investments which meet the criteria of European and trans-Atlantic integration shall receive preferential treatment. The Bank of Lithuania, the Government as well as law enforcement institutions shall ensure, within the limits of their powers, the security of the economic as well as the finance and credit system against fraud and legalisation of and investments in the funds or assets of illegal origin (acquired in a criminal manner). The Lithuanian railway sector must be reconstructed for integration into the railway networks of the European Union. PUBLIC SECURITY POLICY The fight against crime and the ensuring of public order as well as personal security within the State shall be one of the main priorities in ensuring the national security of the country. The State must join efforts for a determined and efficient fight against crime, especially organised crime, shadow business, corruption and drug addiction and thus ensure an appropriate domestic security of the country. It shall be necessary to strengthen the activities of law enforcement institutions in disclosing and investigating criminal acts and to create new models of the system of control and prevention of criminal acts. The Government must ensure their co-operation and co-ordination of activities. Another priority shall be a reliable control and guarding of the State border meeting the requirements set by the European Union with a particular attention devoted to the control and guarding of the EU external border. The regulations of the State border and the frontier shall be laid down and the organisation of the state border guarding shall be regulated by law. State institutions must undertake efficient measures in ensuring road safety and guarantee the financing of implementation of these measures, drafting of the required legislation, organisation and co-ordination of the activities of state institutions and individuals as well as the complex measures aimed at reducing the number of accidents. SOCIAL POLICY State social policy must encourage the formation of a socially self-supporting, unified and stable civic society. The State must pursue a policy of welfare for all citizens and other persons falling within the limits of its powers, reduce the risks and dangers of possible social crises and take measures to prevent an infringement of the principles of social cohesion due to excessive differentiation in wealth and impoverishment of the population. The State shall take special care of the condition of the family as the principal and responsible institution of the society. CULTURAL POLICY The duty of the State shall be to preserve and uphold the identity of the national culture by ensuring the protection and continuity of the Lithuanian language, protecting ethnic culture and local traditions and cultural heritage. The State shall support the efforts of communities of Lithuanian emigrants in preserving ethnic identity, take care of the culture of the ethnic communities of Lithuania, support professional art and ensure the dissemination and development of art and culture. The State shall provide conditions for the public to participate in culture, make use thereof and implement the regional cultural policy by adhering to the principle of decentralisation. While supporting the principles of a democratic and open culture, the State must safeguard the development of the culture against a destructive anti-humanist influence. The State shall provide economic, technological and legal conditions for the protection of cultural heritage and encourage owners thereof to invest in the protection of cultural heritage. The State shall prepare the measures ensuring the protection of cultural heritage in the event of emergencies (acts of terrorism, fires, floods, accidents, etc.). EDUCATIONAL AND SCIENTIFIC POLICY The system of education and upbringing must foster civic consciousness, sociality, national self-consciousness, ethnic and moral values and tolerance of and respect for other nations. The educational and scientific policy of the State must ensure a high quality of education and promote the development of science and technologies so that Lithuania could become a knowledge-based (information) society. In creating a knowledge-based society, it shall be of importance to ensure a successful reform of education and science and the development of the Lithuanian language: create a modern and high-quality system of education which is accessible to all and is in compliance with the progress made by information technologies, aim at the inner harmony of the educational system and compliance with the goals of the State, fostering of a civic society and train most highly qualified specialists. The State must promote the scientific and technological progress in all spheres of life and the introduction of the innovations based on it in all social and economic fields. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION POLICY The State must ensure ecological security for residents of Lithuania by guaranteeing a sustainable economic development, contributing to the international community’s efforts to reduce global ecological threats, promptly reacting to ecological emergencies as well as eliminating and reducing effects thereof. The State shall implement prevention of environmental pollution and other negative impact on the environment and human health, aim at the preservation of the values of natural heritage, variety of the landscape and biological variety of the country, improve the monitoring of the quality of environment, promote the introduction in the economy of best available means of production and state-of-the-art technologies exerting less negative impact on the environment, increase not only the economic, but also ecological efficiency of undertakings, spare natural resources and reduce negative impact on the environment. HEALTH POLICY The State must ensure favourable conditions for the health of residents, protection and strengthening thereof. The health policy of the State must create preconditions for a modern system of health care, which would guarantee healthy lifestyle and environment, accessible and appropriate health care. An important direction of the health policy shall be to ensure prevention of diseases by devoting particular attention to the prophylaxis of epidemics and addiction diseases (drug addiction, alcoholism, addiction to toxic substances, etc.) as well as to the prophylaxis and control of the human immunodeficiency virus and other dangerous and especially dangerous contagious diseases. An important task of the State shall be to create, maintain and develop the systems of the monitoring of the risks of and dangers to the public health, analysis of the public health, speedy transmission of information on health and response to the threats to the public health, prevention of health emergencies and mitigation and elimination of consequences thereof, improve the preparedness and activities of the Lithuanian national health system in the event of crises and emergencies. The Government shall provide the mechanisms establishing the formulation and implementation of the State health policy and strategies. ETHNIC POLICY The State must ensure the protection of the long-term vital interests of the Lithuanian nation by safeguarding the integrity of the territory of Lithuania, the language, the ethnic culture, the singularity of culture and customs as well as cultural heritage and by cherishing the traditional family. The right of citizens belonging to the communities of ethnic minorities to cherish their language, culture and customs shall be protected by law. Ethnic communities shall be an integral part of the Lithuanian civic society. CHAPTER 5 PRINCIPAL PROVISIONS OF THE LITHUANIAN FOREIGN POLICY ENSURING NATIONAL SECURITY Lithuania’s foreign policy shall be formulated on the basis of the solidarity and responsibility of the political parties represented in the Seimas and on the national interests of Lithuania. The main goal of the Lithuanian foreign policy shall be to strengthen Lithuania's integration into the European and trans-Atlantic institutions and to ensure international security guarantees. Lithuania shall seek to establish and to maintain good neighbourly relations with all states based on the principle of justice and equality as well as on universally accepted norms and principles of international law. The main long-term tasks of the Lithuanian foreign policy shall be: - as a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation and of the European Union, to ensure the country’s security and to property perform the obligations related to the membership in these organisations; - to promote good neighbourly, mutual confidence, economic partnership, trade, cultural as well as mutually useful and equal co-operation relations with all the states of own region and neighbouring regions both bilaterally and in multilateral forums; - to actively contribute to the establishment of an international order based on international law and justice as well as to the efforts of the international community to consolidate the principles of democracy, rule of law and respect for human rights; - to actively contribute to the international community’s efforts to prevent terrorism, conflicts and to bring, re-establish and maintain peace in the regions affected by crises. The State of Lithuania shall greatly appreciate and encourage the assistance by the Lithuanians living abroad in strengthening the security and defence power of Lithuania. CHAPTER 6 LEGAL BASIS OF LITHUANIA’S DEFENCE The defence of Lithuania's sovereignty, territorial integrity and constitutional order and the activities of its defence institutions shall be based on the Constitution, be regulated by laws and other legal acts of Lithuania as well as the international legal documents which Lithuania has ratified or to which it has acceded. Lithuania envisages to make use of other international legal acts whose principles and norms it respects. The founding norms of the Constitution directly regulating the issues of state defence shall be: - part 2 of Article 3 of the Constitution, which states that the People and each citizen shall have the right to resist anyone who encroaches on the independence, territorial integrity or constitutional order of the State of Lithuania by force; - Article 139 of the Constitution, which proclaims that the defence of the State of Lithuania from a foreign armed attack shall be the right and duty of every citizen of the Republic of Lithuania and which establishes the mandatory military service of citizens. CHAPTER 7 PRINCIPAL PROVISIONS OF THE LITHUANIAN DEFENCE POLICY SECTION I PRINCIPLE OF TOTAL AND UNCONDITIONAL DEFENCE The defence of Lithuania shall be total and unconditional and shall also be co-ordinated with the implementation with the principles of NATO’s collective defence. Total defence shall mean that Lithuania shall be defended with arms by the armed forces of the State and NATO Allies, that the resources of the State shall be employed in the defence effort and that each citizen and the Nation shall offer resistance by every means allowed under international law. Unconditional defence shall mean that the defence of Lithuania shall not be bound by any conditions and that no one may restrict the right of the Nation and each citizen to resist the aggressor, invader and anyone who encroaches by coercion on the independence, territorial integrity or constitutional order of the State of Lithuania. While seeking the assistance of NATO Allies and other international assistance for defence, Lithuania shall defend itself and resist independently without waiting until such assistance is provided. SECTION II GENERAL PROVISIONS OF THE LITHUANIAN DEFENCE The defence power of Lithuania shall be based upon: - the resolve and determination of the Nation to resist any aggressor; - the assistance and solidarity provided by NATO Allies; - total mandatory military service as established by law; - readiness and provision with weapons of the armed forces and active reserve thereof; - preparedness of citizens for total armed and unarmed resistance and civil defence; - good mutual understanding and co-operation between the armed forces and civilians; - the State’s stocks and other resources of the mobilisation reserve. - the use of the potential of the country’s institutions and undertakings of science and studies. The Lithuania armed forces and other institutions of national defence shall be set up and trained for the defence of the State of Lithuania and interoperability with NATO forces. [Version of the paragraph before 1 January 2010]: In peacetime, the state armed forces shall comprise all types of military forces and active reserve thereof. Upon the introduction of martial law or during an armed defence against aggression (in wartime), the armed forces shall include: the State Border Guard Service, the Public Security Service, the combat platoons of the Riflemen’s Union and other armed resistance combat (partisan) platoons of citizens and their organisations subordinate to the command of the armed forces. [Version of the paragraph after 1 January 2010]: In peacetime, the state armed forces shall comprise all types of military forces and active reserve thereof. Upon the introduction of martial law or during an armed defence against aggression (in wartime), the armed forces shall include: the State Border Guard Service, the Public Security Service, the combat platoons of the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union and other armed resistance combat (partisan) platoons of citizens and their organisations subordinate to the command of the armed forces. The basis of Lithuania's defence system shall be the principle of total and unconditional defence, which shall be implemented in compliance with the principle of NATO’s collective defence. This principle shall be stipulated in laws, other legal acts regulating defence, in the plans of preparation for defence of military forces and active reserve thereof and in other documents. The training and preparation of citizens for defence and resistance shall be based on this principle too. Lithuania shall seek to deter any potential assailant by the total preparedness of citizens for resistance and the preparedness of the armed forces for unconditional defence against aggression, which shall be implemented independently and in conjunction with the forces of NATO Allies. Lithuania shall resist an aggressor by all available means: military defence and guerrilla warfare, civil disobedience, non-collaboration and other means. In the event Lithuania perceives a direct threat to its territorial integrity, political independence or security, it shall immediately ask NATO for consultations. As a party to the North Atlantic Treaty and to other collective defence treaties of European states, Lithuania shall, in the event of an armed assault, immediately apply for armed assistance of the countries parties to these treaties in resisting the assault. Lithuania shall prepare for defence on the basis of modern science of war and the Nation's decade-long experience of a post-war partisan struggle effort against the troops and occupational regime of the Soviet Union. Lithuania shall base its determination of an act of aggression upon the norms of international law. In the event of an aggression or other coercion against the State of Lithuania, the citizens and their associations shall resist anyone who encroaches on the independence, territorial integrity or constitutional order of Lithuania by force. Each participant of the resistance shall enjoy a combatant's status in conformity with international legal acts. The defence of the Nation and the State shall be directed by the state institutions which act freely and legitimately, and where they cannot act - the institutions in charge of resistance which have been established or recognised by the Nation. The units of the armed forces shall be provided with advance plans of action to repel aggression. In the event of an aggression, commanders of the units of the armed forces shall, on the basis of these plans and without waiting for a special political decision, immediately issue orders to put up armed resistance against the aggressor, to defend the State of Lithuania, freedom and independence and territorial integrity thereof. In the event of an aggression or other coercion against the State of Lithuania, no state institution or official shall be allowed to take a decision or to issue an order forbidding the defence of Lithuania's independence, territorial integrity or constitutional order. Such a decision or order shall be considered null and void, and non-compliance therewith shall incur no liability. Where an official is unable to freely perform his duties of defence of the State or the functions related to the defence or forward orders due to an aggression or other coercion against the independence, territorial integrity or constitutional order of the State of Lithuania, officials at a subordinate level shall perform the defence functions independently. In such a case, the orders of these officials shall be considered binding, and resistance and combat actions of military units, citizens or their autonomous formations shall be considered lawful. The operational command of national defence must ensure that in the event of a provocation in the frontier area, local incursion into the Lithuanian territory or violation of the Lithuanian air space, orders are issued immediately on the adequate actions of military forces and the State Border Guard Service and diplomatic means are employed. SECTION III MILITARY DEFENCE All of the armed forces shall be employed in the military defence of the State. They must be prepared for rapid response, efficient mutual interaction and prompt regrouping as well as interoperability with the forces of NATO Allies. Special significance shall be attached to intelligence, information analysis and efficient operational command of the armed forces. The Lithuanian military forces must be prepared for defence actions in the event of an unexpected and sudden assault or demonstration of the military force. The main task of the military forces shall be to destroy the enemy and to break its determination to fight against Lithuania. The Lithuanian armed forces shall defend the State independently and in conjunction with the allied forces. In the event of an armed assault or threat thereof, Lithuania shall ask NATO allies for assistance in defence and for other international assistance. In the territories occupied by the enemy, partisan actions shall be employed too. SECTIOn IV CIVIL RESISTANCE The power of civil resistance shall be determined by the will of the Nation and self-determination to fight for its own freedom, by the resolve of each citizen, irrespective of his age and profession, to resist the assailant or invader by all possible means and to contribute to Lithuania's defence. The system of citizens’ preparation for civil resistance shall be a state system. Its functioning shall be organised by the Government. Citizens shall be trained in different means of resistance and civil defence. The State shall provide them with the necessary technical means. The fostering of patriotism shall be a constituent part of the compulsory school education programme. The State shall support the autonomous public organisations activities whereof contribute to the preparation for civil resistance or the strengthening of defence power. In the event of an assault or encroachment on the territorial integrity of Lithuania or its constitutional order, the citizens and their autonomous formations shall undertake actions of civil resistance - non-violent resistance, disobedience and non-collaboration with the unlawful administration as well as armed resistance. The acts of collaboration and liability therefor shall be laid down by law. CHAPTER 8 DEMOCRATIC CONTROL OF MILITARY FORCES AND OTHER INSTITUTIONS OF NATIONAL SECURITY All decisions on the defence policy and the armed forces shall be made by a democratically elected civilian government. The national defence policy and defence expenditure shall be public knowledge. The President of the Republic shall take decisions on the deployment of the armed forces in peacetime. By his decree, the President shall approve the permanent location of all units of the military forces in peacetime and the territorial limits for manoeuvring. In peacetime, only the President of the Republic shall have the right, by a decree, to issue orders on the transfer of units of the armed forces to another location of deployment. He must also be notified of the movement of the elements of the armed forces which are not less than the size of a unit beyond the territorial limits for manoeuvring. The civilian command of defence activities shall be exercised by the President of the Republic and the Minister of National Defence. The chain of the operational command of military operations and other actions of the armed forces shall be established by laws and other legal acts. In the absence of the President of the Republic from the country, the Minister of National Defence must remain in Lithuania, except for the cases specified by law. The organisation, development, needs for the provision with weapons of and assignations to the armed forces shall be determined by the Seimas. In accordance with the procedure laid down by law, the Seimas shall carry out parliamentary scrutiny of the armed forces and other institutions of national security. The Government, the Minister of National Defence and the Commander of the Armed Forces shall be accountable to the Seimas for the management and leadership of the armed forces. The Government shall take decisions on supplying the military forces, procurement of weapons, and material resources. Decisions on mobilisation, introduction of martial law, use of the armed forces and defence against an armed assault as well as decisions on the participation of elements of the Lithuanian military forces in international military operations shall be taken by the President of the Republic and the Seimas in accordance with the procedure laid down by the Constitution and laws. Only civilians shall be appointed Minister of National Defence, Minister of the Interior, Vice-Minister of National Defence and Vice-Minister of the Interior, and Director of the State Security Department. The Commander of the Armed Forces shall be subordinate to the Minister of National Defence. PART II RISKS AND THREATS TO LITHUANIA’S SECURITY. MEANS OF ENSURING SECURITY CHAPTER 9 RISKS AND THREATS TO LITHUANIA’S SECURITY Risks and threats to Lithuania’s security shall be defined by the National Security Strategy approved by a resolution of the Seimas. The decisions taken by state and municipal institutions must be analysed in respect of their contribution to the diminishing of risks and dangers and reduction of threats to national security. The Strategic Research and Analysis Centre established by the Government shall analyse and forecast changes in the external and internal security environment, follow the appearance and development of risks, dangers and threats and submit proposals to the Seimas, the President of the Republic, the State Defence Council and other institutions ensuring national security on the measures required for the strengthening of national security. The State Defence Council shall determine the need for intelligence information. CHAPTER 10 PRINCIPAL MEANS OF ENSURING NATIONAL SECURITY SECTION I TOTALITY OF THE MEANS OF ENSURING NATIONAL SECURITY In addition to the foreign, domestic and defence policies defined in Part I of these Basics, other means of ensuring Lithuania’s national security shall be: - participation in the organisations consolidating international security; - membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation and the European Union; - strategic planning of national security and preparation and implementation of the long-term state programmes aimed at strengthening security; - activities of the institutions ensuring national security; - laws regulating the system of security and defence. SECTION II PARTICIPATION IN INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS Lithuania’s security shall be a part of the European and trans-Atlantic security. Lithuania shall be prepared to participate in the strengthening of international security and to assume its share of obligations. Lithuania shall participate in the activities of the United Nations (UN), Organisation for Security and Co-operation and Europe (OSCE), Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council (EAPC), NATO Parliamentary Assembly (NATO PA), Council of Europe (CE) and other international institutions and organisations the purpose whereof is to ensure peace and to strengthen security and stability in Europe and trans-Atlantic area and shall also participate in international humanitarian, crisis management and peace-keeping missions and other activities. SECTION III MEMBERSHIP IN THE EUROPEAN UNION AND THE NORTH ATLANTIC TREATY ORGANISATION Lithuania’s membership in the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation shall be based on the commonness of ideals and values. Lithuania shall implement the acquis of the European Union, participate in the activities of its institutions and in the common security and defence policy of the European Union. Lithuania shall assume responsibility for the defence of its sovereignty and territory, enhance and maintain its national defence system as a part of NATO’s collective defence system. Lithuania’s membership in NATO shall increase confidence, stability and security in the region and entire Europe. Lithuania’s membership in this defence organisation ensuring stability and security shall not be hostile to any other country. As a full-fledged member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, including the integral military structure thereof, Lithuania shall implement the measures of active integration and membership in NATO: - co-operate with NATO in planning defence and prepare its structures for the needs of common defence; - train and prepare the military forces according to NATO standards and reorganise and prepare its defence structures for interoperability with NATO structures; - prepare servicemen for the participation in collective defence, crisis management and other international military operations; - develop bilateral co-operation with NATO member states in the defence sphere; - participate in joint NATO exercises and training and organise them in the territory of Lithuania; adapt the main facilities of the defence infrastructure for joint exercises; - create a civil and military air control system by integrating it into the NATO integrated air control and defence system; - standardise, in line with NATO requirements, defence structures, information and communications systems, technical facilities, maps and documentation, the legal acts regulating defence and activities of the system of national defence, statutes and terminology; - participate with NATO and NATO member states in the preparation and implementation of joint scientific and technological development programmes and industrial co-operation projects; - create an information protection system as an integral part of the NATO system; - introduce the obligatory requirement for officers to know at least one of the official languages of NATO; - train military specialists, officers and non-commissioned officers not only in Lithuania, but also in military schools and defence structures of NATO countries, send them to refresher courses; appraise their performance according to NATO requirements, especially their preparedness for interoperability with NATO units; - pass the laws and legal acts ensuring an appropriate performance of the obligations of future membership in NATO, especially participation in collective defence and other international military operations under NATO command or its member states. SECTION IV (Repealed on 1 May 2003) SECTION V (Repealed on 1 May 2003) CHAPTER 11 LONG-TERM STATE PROGRAMMES FOR THE STRENGTHENING OF SECURITY The principal long-term national programmes for the strengthening of national security shall be: - development of the system of national defence; - development of the system of state border guarding; - strengthening of economic security; - development of the system of crisis management; - ensuring ecological security; - ensuring the safe exploitation of the Ignalina Nuclear Power Station; - sparing use and protection of national resources; - support for natural population growth; - crime prevention and control; - national programme for combating corruption; - drug control and prevention of drug addiction; - programme against terrorism; - development of the Lithuanian police system; - civic and ethnic education; - protection of cultural heritage; - ensuring the safe functioning of diplomatic service institutions. Other programmes shall be developed as necessary. PART III INSTITUTIONS ENSURING NATIONAL SECURITY AND THEIR ACTIVITIES CHAPTER 12 INSTITUTIONS ENSURING NATIONAL SECURITY LEADING INSTITUTIONS: The state leading institutions which are in charge of the ensuring of national security shall be the President of the Republic of Lithuania and the Government. EXECUTIVE AND OTHER INSTITUTIONS: - the State Defence Council; - the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; - the Ministry of National Defence and other institutions of the system of national defence subordinated to the Minister of National Defence; - the military forces; - the Ministry of the Interior, the police, the State Border Guard Service and other bodies falling within the sphere of administration of the ministry and ensuring public security; - the State Security Department; - the Special Investigation Service; - other ministries and state as well as municipal institutions according to their competence. CHAPTER 13 COMMAND OF STATE DEFENCE BY PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC In the event of an armed assault against the State or when a threat arises to the sovereignty or territorial integrity of the State, the President of the Republic shall immediately take a decision on defence against armed aggression, introduce martial law in the whole State or a part thereof, declare mobilisation and submit these decisions to the Seimas for approval. In urgent cases, the President of the Republic shall also take decisions on the participation of Lithuania in collective defence and other international military operations and submit these decisions to the Seimas for approval. According to the Constitution, the President of the Republic shall be the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces. The President of the Republic shall, upon the approval of the Seimas, appoint the Commander of the Armed Forces. CHAPTER 14 ACTIVITIES OF THE GOVERNMENT IN ENSURING NATIONAL SECURITY SECTION I MAIN TASKS OF THE GOVERNMENT The Government of Lithuania shall ensure the inviolability of the territory of the Republic of Lithuania and guarantee security of the State and public order. The Government shall co-ordinate the implementation of the measures strengthening national security and activities of the ministries and other state bodies performing these functions and mobilise them for dealing with topical and important tasks of national security. The Government shall be responsible for the strategic planning of national security. In compliance with the provisions of this Law, the National Security Strategy and other strategic planning documents, the Government shall follow and forecast changes in the international and domestic security environment, rise and development of risks, dangers and threats, take necessary response measures in accordance with the procedure laid down by the Constitution and laws or, where required by laws, submit these measures to the Seimas, the President of the Republic and the State Defence Council for consideration. The Government shall be responsible for the creation of the system of ensuring state information management and protection and functioning thereof. The Government shall ensure that all civilian state institutions and infrastructure facilities of the Lithuanian economy are prepared for the compulsory tasks of defence and civil protection. When submitting to the Seimas an annual report, the Government shall, in a part on the condition and development of national security, provide information about the implementation of this Law, the National Security Programme as well as long-term state programmes for the strengthening of security as well as submit information on changes in the international and domestic security environment, existing risks, dangers and threats, rise and development thereof as well as information about the implementation of the measures counteracting the threats, risks and dangers. SECTION II cRISIS MANAGEMENT The system of crisis management shall be created and developed to forecast and monitor the emergencies and critical phenomena posing danger, to prepare and implement preventive measures, to determine and manage crises and to respond thereto. A crisis management strategy shall be approved by the Government. Crisis management shall be co-ordinated by the Crisis Management Committee formed by the Government and chaired by the Prime Minister. The Crisis Management Committee shall consist of the main ministers associated with crisis management, the Chancellor of the Prime Minister or First Deputy thereof. Where necessary, the Crisis Management Committee shall, having regard to the nature of a crisis, take a decision on establishing the Joint Co-ordination Centre consisting of representatives of appropriate ministries and other state institutions for the co-ordination of crisis management and response. Regulations of the Joint Co-ordination Centre shall be approved by the Government. Crisis prevention and preparedness for crisis management shall be co-ordinated by the Office of the Prime Minister. The Office of the Prime Minister shall co-ordinate the drafting of integral crisis and emergency prevention and management plans and measures; ministries and other state institutions shall draft such plans and measures within the sphere of their competence providing for action co-ordination with other institutions. The Government shall approve integral plans of and measures for the management of crises and emergencies. Crisis management shall be regulated by laws and other legal acts. CHAPTER 15 ACTIVITIES OF THE SEIMAS IN ENSURING NATIONAL SECURITY SECTION I LEGISLATION The Seimas shall be responsible for a timely adoption of the laws and other legal acts as well as supplements and amendments to the laws in force necessary to ensure national security. The Seimas shall, in light of the long-term needs of ensuring national security, regulate by law the system of national defence as well as annually pass a law establishing the principal structure of the military forces: the general limits on the number of professional military service, compulsory initial military service and active reserve servicemen in the system of national defence, statutory servants of the system of national defence, number of senior officers of each rank, generals and admirals, and number of permanent combined units, units and the military elements equivalent thereto. The Seimas shall implement the provisions of the basics of national security by creating a legal basis for national security and defence – it shall regulate by laws the activities of the institutions ensuring national security. SECTION II DECISIONS ON STATE DEFENCE The Seimas shall declare a state of emergency, introduce martial law, declare mobilisation or demobilisation and take a decision to use the armed forces when needed to defend the Homeland or to perform Lithuania's international obligations. In the event of an armed assault, where the President of the Republic immediately takes a decision on defence against armed aggression, including a decision on participation in a collective defence operation, introduces martial law or declares mobilisation, the Seimas shall approve such decisions to ensure armed defence and the performance of Lithuania’s international obligations under collective defence treaties. The Seimas shall also take decisions on Lithuania’s participation in other international military operations and in urgent cases, where such a decision is taken by the President of the Republic, the Seimas shall approve or annul the decision. SECTION III PARLIAMENTARY SCRUTINY The Seimas shall carry out parliamentary scrutiny of the activities of the Government and other executive institutions ensuring national security and of the implementation of the laws regulating the system of national security as well as long-term state programmes for the strengthening of security. CHAPTER 16 State Defence Council The State Defence Council shall consider and co-ordinate the key issues of state defence, including the activities of state institutions on the key issues of ensuring state security. It shall consist of the Prime Minister, the Speaker of the Seimas, the Minister of National Defence and the Commander of the Armed Forces. The State Defence Council shall be headed by the President of the Republic. The State Defence Council shall usually invite to its meetings the Director General of the State Security Department, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of the Interior as well as the Chairman of the Seimas Committee on National Security and Defence. The formation, procedure of activities and powers of the Council shall be established by law. CHAPTER 17 Ministry of Foreign Affairs The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania shall be an executive institution of the Republic of Lithuania implementing tasks of the foreign and security policy of the State of Lithuania. For the purpose of implementing the principal provisions of the Lithuanian foreign policy ensuring national security as specified in Chapter 5, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall submit to the Government proposals on the issues of the development of bilateral and multilateral relations (including proposals on the best use of the opportunities provided by membership in NATO and the European Union to ensure the interests of Lithuania’s national security and on Lithuania’s participation in implementing the goals of these organisations) and implement the decisions taken; analyse the international situation; tendencies of cross-border policy; including changes in the geostrategic environment as well as the development of international threats to security and risks; maintain diplomatic relations with foreign states as well as contacts with international organisations, including the ensuring of diplomatic representation at NATO headquarters and active participation in political co-ordination aiming at consensus of NATO member states on strategic issues; direct the activities of diplomatic missions of the Republic of Lithuania in foreign states and at international organisations; co-ordinate and control the drafting and conclusion of international treaties of the Republic of Lithuania with the foreign states and international organisations; implement resolutions of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania on joining international organisations and accession to multilateral international treaties; organise the control of implementation of international treaties and the Republic of Lithuania laws as well as other legal acts passed on the issues of international relations; and perform other functions specified by laws and resolutions of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania. CHAPTER 18 SYSTEM OF NATIONAL DEFENCE The system of national defence shall consist of the Ministry of National Defence, the military forces (armed forces), the General Jonas Žemaitis Military Academy of Lithuania, the school for non-commissioned officers and other military training establishments, intelligence and counterintelligence service (Second Investigation Department under the Ministry of National Defence), the institutions of conscription and mobilisation as well as other institutions subordinate to the Minister of National Defence, the military territories intended for the needs of national defence, other infrastructure facilities, undertakings and bodies. The Ministry of National Defence shall be the leading institution of the system of national defence. The structure and activities of the Ministry of National Defence and the entire system of national defence shall be regulated in detail by other laws and legal acts. Activities of the Ministry of National Defence and the entire system of national defence shall be directed by the Minister of National Defence. He shall be responsible for the implementation of the defence policy, development of the system of national defence and preparation thereof for the defence of the State. The rights, duties, functions and responsibilities of the Minister shall be specified by laws and other legal acts. Lithuania’s military forces shall be a state institution of armed defence, the main part of the system of national defence. The military forces shall be loyal to the Republic of Lithuania, its Constitution, serve the State and the public and obey the state government democratically elected by the Lithuanian citizens. The Commander of the Armed Forces shall be the top military official of the State representing the Lithuanian military forces on military issues. The main task of the Minister in peacetime shall be to appropriately train the military forces for armed defence of the State by ensuring its interoperability with the armed forces of other NATO member states and participation in international operations. In peacetime, the Commander of the Armed Forces shall be directly subordinate to the Minister of National Defence and shall implement the policy formulated for the development of the military forces. The procedure for appointing and dismissing the Commander of the Armed Forces, the rights, duties, functions and responsibilities of the Commander shall be specified by the Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania, laws and other legal acts. In peacetime, the military forces shall: - independently and in co-operation with NATO institutions as well as the armed forces of other NATO member states, guard the territory and military territories of the State and, in co-operation with other state and NATO institutions as well as the armed forces of other NATO member states, monitor and control the exclusive economic zone as well as the continental shelf; - maintain combat readiness; - prepare for and participate in international military operations in accordance with the procedure laid down by the Constitution and laws upon a decision taken by the President of the Republic and the Seimas; - in the cases and in accordance with the procedure laid down by laws, be dispatched to assist other state and municipal institutions, also, in accordance with the procedure laid down by laws, organise, co-ordinate, be in charge of and carry out the activities of search for and rescue of persons and pollution accident response. The military forces must be trained by developing the personality of a serviceman, civic consciousness and patriotism, professional skills and military ethics. Commanders must foster mutual understanding and trust between servicemen and civilians. The types of and procedure for fulfilling military service as well as the legal status of servicemen shall be regulated by the Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania, laws and other legal acts. The military forces shall comprise: the Land Forces, the Air Force, the Naval Force, and Special Forces. The Land Forces shall include the National Defence Volunteer Forces forming the active military reserve. The composition, tasks and functions of the military forces shall be specified by laws and other legal acts. The principal structure of the military forces shall be approved by the Seimas on the recommendation of the Minister of National Defence after he receives an approval of the State Defence Council and authorisation of the Government. Specialised subdivisions of Lithuanian law enforcement institutions and the military police shall be in charge of law enforcement in the military forces and the entire system of national defence in accordance with the procedure laid down by laws and other legal acts. Specialised subdivisions and positions of military law enforcement shall be set up at the prosecution and pre-trial investigation institutions. The cases of servicemen and officers concerning service or related violations shall be considered by a specialised court. The status, jurisdiction, tasks and functions of the military police shall be specified by law. CHAPTER 19 MINISTRY OF THE INTERIOR, POLICE AND OTHER BODIES FALLING WITHIN THE SPHERE OF ADMINISTRATION OF THE MINISTRY AND ENSURING PUBLIC SECURITY The Ministry of the Interior shall, within the limits of its powers, be in charge of and control the implementation of the state policy of ensuring public security. The main purpose of the police as a constituent part of the system of national security shall be to ensure personal and public security, human rights and freedoms, maintain public order and fight against criminal acts. The functions of the police shall be specified by law. The internal service units of the Ministry of the Interior shall be reorganised in the Public Security Service subordinate to the Ministry of the Interior. The basis for activities of the Public Security Service shall be established by law. The safeguarding of the state financial system against criminal influence shall be ensured by the Financial Crime Investigation Service. The legal status and basis for activities of this service shall be regulated by law. The protection of heads and official guests of the Republic of Lithuania against acts of terrorism, violence and other encroachment as well as the safeguarding of the protected facilities related to the implementation of this task shall be ensured by the VIP Security Department. The basis for activities thereof and the status of the protected persons shall be specified by law. The purpose of the State Border Guard Service shall be to implement the state border guarding on land, at sea, in the Curonian Lagoon and frontier inland waters as well as the control of crossing the state border, prevent and regulate border incidents. The units of this service shall be trained according to plans of the Defence Staff for actions of armed defence in the event of state defence (war). The procedure for training them for defence shall be regulated by law. During a period of martial law and state defence (war), the State Border Guard Service and the Public Security Service shall be assigned to the armed forces. A special state body falling within the sphere of administration of the Ministry of the Interior shall organise and co-ordinate civil protection, fire prevention and rescue works. The police, the State Border Guard Service and other bodies falling within the sphere of administration of the Ministry of the Interior and ensuring public security shall be formed on the basis of statutory civil service. CHAPTER 20 STATE SECURITY DEPARTMENT The State Security Department shall be an institution accountable to the Seimas and the President of the Republic, the purpose whereof shall be to safeguard the State, its sovereignty and the constitutional order against encroachment. The tasks of the State Security Department shall be to engage in intelligence and counterintelligence, to investigate, analyse and forecast public political and economic processes related to threats to national security; to disclose in a timely manner the acts posing a threat to the security, sovereignty, inviolability and integrity of the territory, constitutional order, national interests, defence and economic power of the State, to prevent these acts and to eliminate them in accordance with the procedure laid down by law. The State Security Department shall co-ordinate the fight of institutions of the Republic of Lithuania against terrorism. The State Security Department shall provide intelligence and counterintelligence information and other information, of importance to national security, conclusions and recommendations to the President, the Government and, where necessary, other state institutions. The Department shall also provide the public with the information which does not comprise a state secret. The activities of the State Security Department shall be regulated by law. The detailed budget, resources of the State Security Department and other information provided for by law shall be considered a state secret. The Seimas shall carry out parliamentary scrutiny over the activities of the State Security Department. This scrutiny shall be carried out in compliance with the requirements of protection of state secrets and in accordance with the special procedures laid down by the Seimas. CHAPTER 21 CIVIL PROTECTION AND RESCUE SYSTEM The purpose of the civil protection and rescue system shall be to protect the population against calamities during war and in peacetime through their active participation in these activities. This system shall ensure the readiness of all the rescue services and their preventive actions and, in the event of emergencies, natural disasters, catastrophes and an armed assault, the warning and information of the population of the country, protection of their lives and property, necessary emergency assistance and evacuation from the regions at risk. The civil protection and rescue system, structure, legal basis for activities thereof, subordination, functions, responsibilities and interaction of the institutions of the system as well as their interaction with other state institutions shall be specified by laws and other legal acts. Where necessary, the military forces, specialists of the mobilisation reserve, ministries, other state and municipal institutions and bodies, the resources which are at their disposal, and volunteers of autonomous organisations shall be employed in order to deal with catastrophes and other large-scale disasters and to carry out rescue and emergency response operations. The conditions of and procedure for such employing and participating in the operations shall be laid down by law. CHAPTER 22 SPECIAL INVESTIGATION SERVICE The Special Investigation Service shall be an institution accountable to the President of the Republic and to the Seimas which shall detect and investigate corruption crimes and criminal offences, prepare and implement corruption prevention measures. The activities of the Special Investigation Service shall be regulated by laws and other legal acts. The Seimas shall, in compliance with the requirements of protection of state secrets and the special procedures laid down by it, carry out the parliamentary scrutiny of activities of the Special Investigation Service. CHAPTER 23 ALTERNATIVE NATIONAL DEFENCE SERVICE As a type of civilian activities of benefit to the public, alternative national defence service shall be an auxiliary national defence service without arms in place of military conscription for those who due to their religious or pacifist beliefs may not serve under arms. The purpose of this service shall be to educate citizens and provide them with an opportunity to contribute to national welfare by the civilian activities of benefit to the public. The appointment to this service shall be administered by the Ministry of National Defence, and the service shall be organised by an institution authorised by the Government. The duration of and procedure for fulfilling the service shall be specified by law. Version of Chapter 24 before 1 January 2010: CHAPTER 24 RIFLEMEN’S UNION The Riflemen’s Union shall be a voluntary paramilitary organisation operating in compliance with its own statute. It shall be a civilian self-defence institution supported by the State. The participation of the Riflemen’s Union in national defence activities and its co-operation with the Ministry of National Defence shall be regulated by law. The Ministry of National Defence shall appoint a responsible official to handle the Riflemen’s Union's affairs. Version of Chapter 24 after 1 January 2010: CHAPTER 24 LITHUANIAN RIFLEMEN’S UNION The Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union shall be a voluntary paramilitary association of civil self-defence supported by the State and assisting it as well as operating under a special law and in compliance with its own statute. Its participation in activities of the national defence system and co-operation with institutions of the national defence system and other state institutions shall be regulated by a law and co-operation agreements. FINAL PROVISIONS CHAPTER 25 DEVELOPMENT OF THE SYSTEM OF NATIONAL SECURITY The Lithuanian national security system shall be developed in a consistent manner in compliance with the basics established by this Law and the National Security Strategy. The basics of the national security system shall be complied with and shall be developed in laws and other legal acts when restructuring and developing the state institutions of national security and improving the activities thereof.