“The story about how Lithuania and all the Baltic States regained their independance is a story about a dream of freedom that became reality—how people with bare hands and warm hearts stood against the tanks and machine guns. It inspires our Ukrainian friends to know that good ultimately defeats evil,” said Daiga Mieriņa, the Speaker of the Saeima, in Vilnius on Tuesday, 11 March, celebrating the 35th anniversary of the restoration of independence of our neighbouring country Lithuania.
The Speaker of the Saeima stressed that these 35 years have undoubtedly been full of challenges. Our countries have changed in almost every way. During this time, we have experienced rapid growth and, at the same time, our awareness of our values has changed, said Speaker Mieriņa, emphasizing that 35 years ago, the fragile flame of independence was lit again in the Baltics.
Once we regained independence, our goals were set quickly and strategically—to join the European Union and NATO. This meant becoming a part of the familly of democratic European and transatlantic values, said Speaker Mieriņa, underlining that security cannot be taken for granted and must be continuously strengthened.
“Today, our common priority is lasting peace in Ukraine. No decision made by President Zelenskyy or the Ukrainian Parliament has been easy. They have all been at the cost of human life in order to protect their country as much as possible from further destruction. That is why Ukraine’s independence must not become a commodity to be traded by great powers,” said the Speaker of the Saeima, stressing that bilateral assistance without unnecessary bureaucracy has been the most effective mechanism that must be continued and reinforced. “It is essential to use every possible diplomatic tool to help Ukraine both on the battlefield and in the halls of power,” said Daiga Mieriņa.
“The rapidly evolving and unpredictable global political situation has forced Europe to wake up and take action. Since the Baltics are on NATO’s eastern border, this is our opportunity to lead by example through proportionally increasing our investments in defence capabilities. There is no time to wait – we need to act!" said the Speaker of the Saeima, calling not only on the Baltic States, but also on the broader region to work even more closely on increasing and coordinating national military capabilities.
“There is no time for fatigue or doubt. The fate of Europe will be decided in Ukraine. We must continue to mobilise all forces and available means to support Ukraine,” said the Speaker of the Saeima, noting that it is already evident that Europe has taken the lead in securing peace in Ukraine, but strong U.S. military support is also essential.
Speaker Mieriņa is currently on a working visit to Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the restoration of independence of our neighbouring country Lithuania, as well as to meet with the Speakers of the Parliaments of Estonia, Iceland, Lithuania, Poland, Finland, and Ukraine. The Speaker of the Saeima also participated in the Latvian, Estonian and Lithuanian flag hoisting ceremony at the Independence Square in Vilnius.
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Saeima Press Service