News

Honourable Chairman, Secretary Albright, Excellencies,

Dear Colleagues, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Let me start by commending Portugal as the outgoing Chair of the Community of Democracies for the dedication and leadership over the last two years. I also thank Portugal as our host country and the Portuguese colleagues for organizing this conference and for the warm hospitality.   

We are honoured by your trust and encouragement for Lithuania to further lead the process. For us it is not only an honour but also a challenge and opportunity to promote the Community of Democracies as a vibrant forum which makes a difference in the lives of many people. Having gone through very difficult historical times and transformations itself, Lithuania cherishes the values of democracy and is willing to share its experience and lessons learnt with others.

For us it is a unique opportunity to meet the like-minded partners and discuss  achievements, challenges and the future of the Community of Democracies This gathering of states and civil society is special - we all share the understanding that freedom and democracy are not luxury items only the chosen ones can afford. We also share the idea that the Community of Democracies, embodied by the collective effort nine years ago continues to evolve into a cohesive and effective alliance, which along with other initiatives and organizations plays its special role in securing sustainable peace, freedom and justice for all. Cohesive and effective action is needed more than ever in the face of global economic and financial crisis. Under no circumstances we can step back or passively watch others step back from the democratic path. I would like to stress my conviction that namely democracy and respect for human rights, the rule of law and fundamental freedoms could and should help us face challenges.

Adhering to these principles Lithuania is taking over the chairmanship of the Community of Democracies. In this capacity Lithuania will build on the decisions taken in Warsaw, Seoul, Santiago, Bamako and Lisbon and the achievements sought after over the period of 9 years. Lithuanian Presidency will continue the best traditions and practices and strive to further strengthen the unique role of the Community of Democracies. We will do our utmost to ensure inclusive dialogue and transparency. For us, chairing means first of all listening to each and everyone, expressing and implementing our common will. In this endeavor we rely on the active and constructive input, shared responsibility, support and assistance from all participating states, the Convening Group, the Troika, the Permanent Secretariat, as well as our numerous non-governmental partners – democracy promoters, civil society organizations, foundations, academics, and experts devoted to promoting democracy.  The approach of inclusion of all the willing and sharing our perspective for the democratic cause would lead to enhanced dialogue, new ideas and initiatives. We warmly welcome new partners to our community.

Countries of the Community of Democracies must be living visible examples and pillars of democracy in their respective neighborhoods and regions, and have to take active steps in advancing democracy on national, regional, interregional and global levels. To be credible the Community of Democracies has to take on an important duty to react in an effective manner to the threats to democratic values by thoroughly discussing dangerous developments for democracy in any part of the world and, when appropriate, taking positions on country or region situations.

We see a particular role and task for regional cooperation and regional organizations. A number of regional organizations all over the world - in Europe, Asia, Africa, Americas - are already doing an important work in support and advancement of democracy. Coming from Europe Lithuania would like to mention in this regard a valuable input by the European Union, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe which Lithuania is going to chair in 2011 and the Council of Europe. We see the ongoing discussion in the European Union on the possibilities of strengthening Europe’s contribution to democracy assistance in its external relations as a promising momentum. It is understood that strong civil society participation is the essence of a vibrant democracy and the partnerships are excellent channels for supporting local ownership and sustainability of results.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

During its Presidency Lithuania will seek to put reinforcement of democracy, in particular through education for democracy and human rights, higher on the agenda of multilateral diplomacy. As provided in the “Warsaw Declaration” collaboration and well coordinated positions of the Community of Democracies’ countries in the UN General Assembly, Human Rights Council and other bodies, will be an important tool. It is of vital importance to activate role of the countries of the Community of Democracies in the United Nations by initiating and/or supporting democracy related resolutions, as well as through the Democracy Caucus and by supporting the Democracy Fund.

The Alliance of Civilizations is another important international forum that has much in common with the Community of Democracies. Common beliefs and the same values that the countries participating in those two fora share may serve as a platform for dialogue and a bridge between different cultures and civilizations.

During its Presidency Lithuania also intends to facilitate the discussion on critical issues for the Community of Democracies in working groups. We believe that fresh ideas stemming out of the Non-Governmental Process could and should make positive impact in the deliberations of the working groups. It is time to further discuss the governance and operating procedures of the Community of Democracies. The basic principle in this exercise in our view should be to take advantage of the existing national, regional and international structures, networks and projects, thus avoiding duplication and minimizing needed resources.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Let me conclude by reiterating the belief that democracy is being built and sustained first of all at home. The real impact of the Community of Democracies on the daily lives of the people is and will be a reflection of our political will to act with determination and in the spirit of tolerance and compromise.

We welcome the Lisbon declaration and the decisions on the new procedures adopted today and our recommitment to the founding values and principles. We recognize the important role played by the outgoing Portuguese Presidency and we welcome Mongolia to the Troika.

Let me take this opportunity and call on all of us to mark the International Democracy Day.  Let us celebrate democracy on September 15th and make it a special day for the Community of Democracies all over the world.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

We look forward to the first meeting under the Presidency of Lithuania during the UN General Assembly in the framework of the UN Democratic Caucus in New York in September. Finally, it will be an honor and pleasure for Lithuania to welcome you at the next Ministerial Conference in Vilnius in 2011.      

Thank you.