Lithuanian Press Release

Lithuania would like to thank Russia for its apologies regarding the Soviet occupation of Lithuania from 1940-1941, and again from 1941-1990. However, Lithuania believes that this apology means little unless Russia also formally apologises to the other post-Soviet states, and unless Russia is willing to pay reparations in response. This apology from Russia seems overly convenient, given the discovery of rare-earth metals in Lithuania. Whilst Lithuania seeks strong diplomatic relations with all nations, we cannot simply dismiss the crises in Ukraine, the situation in Georgia, the encroachment of the Russian military on the Baltic states, and the human rights violations in Russia in order to re-establish relations between our two countries. Unless Russia is willing to address these concerns, Lithuania cannot see how this apology from Russia will lead to anything more than a minor refresh of our two countries’ diplomatic relations.