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On 2 February at the House of National Communities in Vilnius, Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Audronius Ažubalis said that ideas and support of national communities and of other groups in society would be especially important when preparing for Lithuania’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2013 and for the shaping of Lithuania’s policy towards history and historical heritage.

“Contribution of national communities to the development of the state of Lithuania is significant. They participated in every important stage in the life of our country from the founding of Vilnius to the times of Sąjūdis, when we stood side by side and fought for our freedom and for a possibility to preserve our national identity,” Ažubalis said.

He called on national communities to focus on and contribute to the implementation of Lithuania’s key goals, including the forthcoming Presidency of the Council of the EU. Ažubalis stressed that during the Presidency the country’s officials would represent a multiethnic Lithuania - the country where many different nations had lived in harmony and contributed to the life of the state for centuries.

“After a year and a half, Lithuania will be facing the most serious challenge since joining the EU, as the country will be holding the Presidency of the Council of the EU. I appreciate the contribution of all national communities to the strengthening of the state and hope that we will hold the Presidency together in a way that would benefit our country,” the Minister said.

During the event Ažubalis handed in a letter of appreciation to the head of the House of National Communities Mahiras Gamzajevas commending him for his organization’s vital role in fostering the identity of Lithuania’s national communities, mutual confidence and in promoting tolerance among the residents of Lithuania.