News

On January 17, the Lithuanian Foreign Minister Antanas Valionis sent a letter to the Chairman of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee Jesse Helms. In his address to Chairman Helms he expressed appreciation for the attention showed for Lithuania and the other Baltic States in his speech before the American Enterprise Institute. Minister Valionis said that Helms’ speech has demonstrated once again the Senator’s personal support of Lithuanian interests and aspirations. According to the Lithuanian Foreign Minister, Lithuania highly regards Senator Helms’ efforts to continue the process of NATO enlargement and to integrate Lithuania in trans-Atlantic structures. Membership in these structures would help Lithuania strengthen her independence and sovereignty. The Lithuanian Foreign Ministry expressed hope that Lithuania and other countries ready for the membership would be invited to join NATO in 2002. Minister Valionis expressed belief that US presence in Europe and the continued US role as the leader of world politics is crucial for European security. According to Minister, Lithuania expects that US will continue to pursue its consistent policy providing peace and stability throughout the whole trans-Atlantic area of which Lithuania is an integral part. The Lithuanian Foreign Minister also assured The US Senator, that Lithuania is committed to strengthening democracy in the region and contributing to peace and stability in Europe.