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On 11 July, a presentation of a publication about Lithuania’s non-permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council for the 2014-2015 period was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania. The publication published in both Lithuanian and English looks back at Lithuania’s work at one of the main organs of the United Nations. In addition to a short review of Lithuania’s activities and the most important Security Council’s documents for Lithuania, the publication also includes speeches by Lithuanian representatives on Ukraine, the Middle East, Africa, terrorism, sanctions, and other topical issues.

Nadiya Savchenko, who was illegally detained in Russia for two years and only recently returned to Ukraine, attended the event at the invitation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Linas Linkevičius and thanked Lithuania for its contribution raising the issue of Ukraine at the UN Security Council.

“Thanks to your efforts, Ukraine’s fight for freedom has become increasingly visible to the world,” said the member of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.

According to Lithuania’s Foreign Minister, the fact that Savchenko is free to attend various events in Lithuania these days is a proof of her unbreakable resolve, as well as the result of Lithuanian and the whole of international community’s support for Ukraine’s fight for freedom.

“Undoubtedly, your liberation is a victory, but Ukraine’s fight for freedom has not ended yet, so we must continue working to achieve peace in eastern Ukraine,” said the Minister.

The presentation of the publication about Lithuania’s non-permanent membership of the UN Security Council was attended by a large number of representatives of diplomatic missions of foreign countries. Arnoldas Pranckevičius, Adviser to the President of the European Parliament Martin Shulz, and the Ambassador of Ukraine to Lithuania Volodymyr Yatsenkivskyi also delivered speeches at the event.

During the non-permanent membership of the UN Security Council, the issue of Ukraine was among Lithuania’s priorities. Moreover, it was put on the Council’s agenda thanks to Lithuania’s efforts. During the two years of our country’s term, the issue of Ukraine was discussed 34 times, half of these meetings were convened on Lithuania’s initiative.

Lithuania also made active efforts addressing the rule of law, the protection of civilians in armed conflict, the UN-EU cooperation, the illicit arms trafficking, the fight against terrorism, the protection of journalists, and other issues.

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