STATEMENT

STATEMENT REPUBLIC OF LITHUANIA STATEMENT Vilnius 18 January 1996 Concerning the Admission of the Russian Federation to the COUNCIL OF Europe The Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania, assessing the wish of the Russian Federation to join the Council of Europe, expresses hope that the Russian Federation will comply with the obligations to fulfil the requirements established by the Council of Europe for each State joining it, as well as with the following additional obligations: not to threaten and not to use force against nations and States; to urgently settle with Lithuania and other States of the Council of Europe economic and financial issues, as well as issues relative to real property and in the first place, make restitution of the buildings of the Lithuanian Embassies in Paris and Rome; to settle the Chechen problem by peaceful dialogue, adhering to the principles of the European Convention on Human Rights and taking into consideration the right of every nation to self-determination. The development of democracy in the European States will help to achieve a higher economic level, more speedily create a civic society, and will strengthen mutual confidence. CHAIRMAN OF THE SEIMAS ÈESLOVAS JURÐËNAS REPUBLIC OF LITHUANIA