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Lithuania is surprised at the reluctance of the Russian Federation to recognize the provisions of the Treaty on the Foundations of Interstate Relations that was signed on 29 July 1991. We have recently marked the 20th anniversary of this treaty. In accordance with the letter and spirit of the treaty, we expect Russia to fairly cooperate when investigating the cases of January 13th and Medininkai, aiming to ensure that those responsible for the crimes would be justly punished.

We are glad that the process of the assessment of the crimes of the totalitarian regimes at the EU level is going on successfully, as well as the preservation of the memory of the victims. We hope that also in the future Russia will contribute to these efforts, which are important for the entire continent.

Please note that the newest expression of joint will of the European countries is the declaration, which was adopted by the EU justice ministers in Warsaw just a few days ago on 23 August (the European Day of Remembrance for the victims of all totalitarian regimes). The declaration invites to ensure fair treatment of all the victims of totalitarian regimes. And the EU Justice Commissioner V.Reding assured that all the EU member states must recognize the inhumanity of all the crimes of totalitarian regimes and preserve the remembrance of the victims.