Participating from JBANC were Marju Rink-Abel (President of the Estonian American National Council, third from left), Ramunas Kondratas (JBANC chairman and Lithuanian American Council, sixth from left), and Karl Altau (JBANC, second from right).

Fair Treatment on Visas Announced

Washington, DC- On Wednesday, February 27, 2008, the Central and East European Coalition (CEEC), comprised of 19 national organizations representing more than 22 million Americans, discussed a range of policy issues with presidential candidate Senator Hillary Clinton's advisor, former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. Also present at the meeting was Lee Feinstein, Senator Clinton's Campaign National Security Director.

The meeting focused on key areas of concern for the CEEC, including Russia's actions in the region, energy security and diversification, NATO enlargement, immigration and the visa waiver program, re-affirmation of the Armenian Genocide, as well as other human rights issues. Lee Feinstein, speaking on behalf of Senator Clinton, reinforced the Senator's longstanding support for and co-sponsorship of the genocide resolution. More...

February 20, 2008 - UNITED STATES COMMISSION ON SECURITY AND COOPERATION IN EUROPE (HELSINKI COMMISSION) HOLDS BRIEFING WITH EDWARD LUCAS OF "THE ECONOMIST"


"..Well, thank you very much indeed, Cliff, for that introduction and the invitation. As a reporter in Washington, I very often sat in these seats. I didn't think I'd ever in my wildest dreams actually be sitting on this side of the table, and so I put on my NFC tie to show that this is a really serious and important occasion.

Thank you very much for inviting me.

It's a provocative title -- "The New Cold War" -- and it's particularly provocative for those of us -- and I guess there are many here -- who remember the last one. Cliff and I were both in our different ways involved in the struggle for freedom in Eastern Europe and to try and undermine communist rule there. And when we remember how bad it was then, it's not a comparison to draw lightly.

We had a complication that was military -- military and existential threat. We had missile-to-missile crises and other misunderstandings, which could have very easily meant the end of civilization on the planet. And it was global. It stretched to every corner -- planets don't have corners -- every corner of the map. There was this issue of complication. more..."

February 6, 2008 - Cabinet of Ministers honors PBLA's Kukainis
Andris Straumanis, Latvians Online.

Jānis Kukainis, former chairperson of the World Federation of Free Latvians (Pasaules brīvo latvieÅ¡u apvienība, or PBLA), has been awarded a Latvian Cabinet of Ministers Certificate of Recognition, a cabinet spokesperson announced Feb. 5 in Rīga.

Kukainis is receiving the recognition for his many years of service defending Latvia's interests and for helping to preserve Latvian culture.

Kukainis served as head of the PBLA from 2002-2007. He also has been involved with other organizations, twice serving as chairperson of the American Latvian Association and twice as head of the Joint Baltic American National Committee. Born in Latvia in 1943, he now lives in Michigan.

Kukainis is one of several individuals who will receive certificates of recognition, the Cabinet of Ministers announced. For their work in the nation's forestry industry, certificates have been awarded to Andrejs Nikuļcevs, Aija FiÅ¡ere, Juris Matīss and Jānis Elmārs Rubens, all of Latvia. Also honored is Oskars Gerts, editor-in-chief of the official daily newspaper of the Latvian government, Latvijas Vēstnesis. More...

February 4, 2008 - Clinton Campaign Responds to JBANC Questionnaire

Washington, DC (JBANC) --- U.S. presidential candidate Hillary Clinton has responded today to a questionnaire sent by the Joint Baltic American National Committee, Inc. (JBANC). Her answers are given below.

JBANC sent questionnaires to the leading Democratic and Republican presidential candidates, asking each for their positions on key issues and concerns of the Baltic-American community. JBANC will disseminate responses from the other candidates as soon as they are received.

###

JBANC Election 2008 Questionnaire:

1. What policy would you follow in U.S. relations with Russia given Russia's increasing Soviet-style isolationism, anti-Western propaganda, and anti-democratic actions such as restrictions on a free media and return to a "one-party system? How will you act to stem Russia's intimidation of neighboring countries, such as the Baltics, through boycotts, oil supply manipulation, cyber attacks, disinformation, and other means?

The list of issues that divides the United States and Russia is growing longer. In the heart of Europe, where we have worked hard since the end of the Cold War to bury old rivalries and hostilities, we are witnessing renewed disputes between Russia and many of its European neighbors, especially - but, sadly, not only -- the Baltic States.

Many of us had hoped that Baltic-Russian relations would improve after Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia joined NATO and the EU. Instead, Russia has stirred nationalist feelings against Estonia, used oil and natural gas as a political weapon in the Baltic Sea region (and more generally across Europe), attempted to block Western diplomatic efforts to keep peace in the Balkans, criticized nations that seek to join the NATO alliance, and made clear that it regards democratic breakthroughs and progress in other countries on its borders as a threat to itself. More...

January 29, 2008 - JBANC Sends Questionnaire to U.S. Presidential Candidates

The questions posed to the candidates:

A Belarusian activist has told RFE/RL that his beating by police during a demonstration in Minsk is linked to his recent trip to Washington, where he met with the U.S. president and testified before a Congressional commission. Following the incident, the United States has warned Belarus that it may extend sanctions against Belarus due to lack of progress in allowing democratic freedoms. Zmitser Fedaruk, fresh from the U.S. trip last week, was beaten by police on December 12 while participating in a peaceful protest ahead of a visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Witnesses have said the acting head of the Malady (Youth) Front was knocked unconscious by police and taken away from the rally in an ambulance. More...

Zmitser Fedaruk (RFE/RL)

December 12, 2007 - Hastings Outraged By Merciless Attack On Belarus' Young Front Leader Zmitser Fedaruk

(Washington, DC) Today, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL), Chairman of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (U.S. Helsinki Commission) issued the following statement in response to news reports that one of the Young Front leaders, 19-year-old Zmitser Fedaruk was beaten by riot police during an otherwise peaceful demonstration in Belarus. According to witnesses, Fedaruk was beaten and knocked unconscious by riot policemen, then rushed by ambulance to the hospital. More...

December 7, 2007 - Leaders of Belarusian opposition meet with JBANC; BelSat-TV launched on December 10

Washington, DC (JBANC) --- A delegation of leading Belarusian opposition leaders traveled to the United States last week to meet with President Bush, Members of Congress, NGO's, and the Belarusian community in the U.S. JBANC President Saulius Kuprys (President of the Lithuanian American Council) was on hand to meet with the delegation during a December 7 gathering, along with JBANC Chairman Ramunas Kondratas and Managing Director Karl Altau. The Belarusian delegation was led by 2006 United Forces presidential candidate Aliaksandr Milinkevich, who last year received the European Parliament's Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought. For more information, see: www.charter97.org/en/news/2007/12/7/2200/ One of the topics discussed by the visiting delegation was the advent of BelSat-TV. The BelSat project, began broadcasting indedpendent TV to Belarus on December 10, 2007. JBANC joined BelSat Director Agnieszka Romaszewska during meetings with Members of Congress in October to explain the importance and necessity of the project. BelSat, based in Warsaw, is funded by Poland, with some support from Lithuania. A resulting letter from seven House Members (Albio Sires, Mario Diaz-Balart, Robert Wexler, Alcee Hastings, John Shimkus, Thaddeus McCotter, and Lincoln Diaz-Balart) was sent to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on November 7, asking for $2.5 million in U.S. funding for the project. Additional information about the BelSat broadcasts, which started on December 10, 2007: http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/12/07/europe/EU-GEN-Poland-Belarus-Media.php http://www.charter97.org/en/news/2007/12/10/2263/ http://www.voanews.com/english/2007-12-10-voa55.cfm

Click on the photos to enlarge

November 30, 2007- Estonian PM makes donation to Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation

WASHINGTON, Nov 30, BNS - Prime Minister Andrus Ansip on Thursday made a donation of 5,000 US dollars on behalf of Estonia to the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation in Washington.

"I'm pleased to deliver our donation as contribution on the part of Estonia to help solve the crimes of communism in the whole world and I hope that there will be many countries contributing to this undertaking," Ansip said during a ceremony at the Estonian embassy in Washington.

"The Estonian government was the first to decide to support financially the Global Virtual Museum of Victims of Communism and surely this has been conducive to other countries' joining this important project," Lee Edwards, chairman of the foundation, was quoted as saying in remarks published in Estonian. More...

November 28, 2007- Advancing Freedom in Russia
by Steven Groves, The Heritage Foundation

The current Moscow power establishment is leading Russia back in time. Instead of moving forward toward a nation that cherishes and protects freedom and democracy, the establishment is creating a state and body politic dominated by a new breed of oligarchic groups composed of security officers and their business allies.

The Russian media are no longer free and unrestricted. With the exception of a few minor showcase outlets and the Internet, the media are dominated by the Kremlin and its allies. The majority of political parties are under state control, and the activities of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) with foreign ties are under severe scrutiny. Russia is no longer a free nation. More...

November 21, 2007- Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation Begins Work on Global Virtual Museum; Estonian-Canadians To Play Key Role In Project

Washington, D.C. - The Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation has retained Marcus Kolga of Liefa Communications, Toronto, Canada, to play a key role in the building of its Global Virtual Museum on Communism. Kolga, an Estonian-Canadian, is the director of the award-winning documentary film, "Gulag 113." Designer Tarmo Saks and programmer Paul Saumets, both Estonian-Canadians, join Kolga on the development team. Chairman Lee Edwards made the announcement at the Foundation's 9th annual Truman-Reagan Medal of Freedom Awards ceremony at the Hungarian Embassy on November 15. "We are delighted," said Edwards, "that we will be able to utilize the outstanding talent and imagination of Marcus Kolga and his firm as we build the Global Virtual Museum on Communism. We interviewed seven companies in the U.S., Canada and Sweden, and Liefa was our unanimous choice." Edwards said the Foundation hoped to launch the Global Virtual Museum during the summer of 2008. More...

Karl Altau (center) with Estonian Ambassador Vaino Reinart and Latvian Ambassador Andrejs Pildegovics at Hungarian Embassy. Photo by Peter Alunans

November 20, 2007- NOW IT'S FINALLY HAPPENING!! The Singing Revolution is opening in theaters for all to see! The Singing Revolution will be opening in theaters from December 7th- 13th in Los Angeles and December 14th- 20th in New York City. The film will open in other cities across the U.S. starting in January. It is critical that we fill the theaters these first two weeks. A successful run in NY and LA will make a big difference in releasing the film in other cities across North America. Come and bring friends if you can, call your friends in those cities and encourage them to go, and help spread the word. Go to the website to find out more information about theater locations: www.singingrevolution.com. You can also help by asking those who live outside of NY and LA to sign-up on the website so we can bring the film to their area. Let's keep the momentum going! Thank you, Maureen & James Tusty Directors/Producers of The Singing Revolution

October 31, 2007- Canada lifts visa requirement for Latvian visitors
Andris Straumanis, Latvians Online

Canada has lifted its visa requirement for citizens of Latvia effective immediately, Diane Finley, Canada's minister of citizenship and immigration, announced Oct. 31.
That means Latvian citizens will be able to travel to Canada with just their passport.
The news was immediately welcomed by the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which has been pushing for both Canada and the United States to lift visa requirements. More...

October 29, 2007- Charge D'Affairs Stuart Seldowitz meets Society of Latvian Political Deportees

On Monday, October 29, Charge D'Affairs Stuart Seldowitz met with representatives from the Society of Latvian Political Deportees. During the meeting the society representatives Peteris Simsons, Ilmars Knagis, Janis Lauva, Dagnija Liepina, Ruta Ozolina, Ivars Kalkis presented a note of thanks to the U.S. Congress, the American people, and especially President Bush for the recently unveiled Victims of Communism Memorial in Washington D.C. The Latvian political deportees also shared their stories of how they were deported and spoke about their lives upon returning to Latvia. More...

October 25, 2007- ALA urges support for easier path to visa waivers
Andris Straumanis, Latvians Online

In an effort to earn visa-free travel privileges for Latvian citizens wanting to visit the United States, the American Latvian Association is calling on Latvian-Americans to urge their federal lawmakers to support two bills under consideration in Congress.

The ALA issued a "call to action" on Oct. 19 urging passage of similar Senate and House of Representatives bills- S. 653 and H.R. 1543- that could ease Latvia's path into the Visa Waiver Program. Both bills would lift the "rate of refusal" threshold that has held back a number of Eastern and Central European countries'admission to the program, instead allowing the federal government to consider consistent progress in reducing the number of visa refusals. More...

October 16, 2007- Activist tells about torture and captivity
By David R. Sands, The Washington Post

By David R. Sands - It sounds like a tale from the darkest days of Soviet communism, but Larisa Arap says her forced detention in a Murmansk psychiatric ward ended just two months ago.

The slight Mrs. Arap, a human rights activist and researcher, was detained by Russian military police in the course of a routine medical visit on July 5, less than a month after she collaborated on an article detailing a long list of abuses by local officials using "punitive psychiatry" to deal with political dissidents and local troublemakers, including children.

"In the old Soviet days, we were told if you were unhappy, the theory was there must be something mentally wrong with you," Mrs. Arap noted during a Washington visit late last week. "This time, I was told that psychiatry is a 'closed subject' in our country." More...

October 16, 2007- The Future Calling In Estonia
By Anne Applebaum, The Washington Post

TALLINN, Estonia -- From outside, the offices of Skype-- the company best known for its free Internet phone service -- don't look very different from the other Soviet and post-Soviet buildings that make up the nondescript suburbs of the Estonian capital. But inside, the aesthetic influence of Northern California is undeniable. The high-tech, open-plan offices; the "playroom," complete with pool table and sauna; the young, bearded employees; the Dadaesque plastic crocodile hanging from the ceiling; the bluejean-clad spokesman who has been "too busy" to contemplate the fact that eBay, which bought Skype for $2.6 billion in 2005, recently admitted that it paid too much. More...

October 10-11, 2007 - Vilnius Energy Security Conference 2007: "Responsible Energy for Responsible Partners"

Vilnius Energy Security Conference 2007: Responsible Energy for Responsible Partners is a continuation of the consistent foreign policy of Lithuania and the tradition of organizing Vilnius conferences since 1997. Vilnius Conference 1997, which gathered leaders from several Central and Easter European states, was dedicated to the fundamental principle of regional stability and cooperation - good neighborhood relations. Following this conference, good neighborhood relations were the basis in resolving regional conflicts. Therefore, Central and Eastern European countries made a progress while integrating into the Euro-Atlantic structures. http://www.vilniusconference2007.lt/en

September 26, 2007 - UN General Assembly - Baltic statements

The UN General Assembly is meeting in New York from September 25 - October 3. Below are links to the statements by President Ilves of Estonia, President Zatlers of Latvia, and President Adamkus of Lithuania. More info at: http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/ (videos also available) ESTONIA - Tuesday, September 25 (Afternoon Session 15:00-19:00) http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/estonia-eng.pdf http://www.un.org/av/photo/detail/0154230.html LATVIA - Wednesday, September 26 (Morning Session 9:00-13:00) http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/latvia-en.pdf http://www.un.org/av/photo/detail/0154904.html http://www.un.org/av/photo/detail/0153492.html LITHUANIA - Wednesday, September 26 (Morning Session 9:00-13:00) http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/lithuania-en.pdf http://www.un.org/av/photo/detail/0154604.html

See also: http://www.un.org/ga/news/news.asp?NewsID=23980

September 26, 2007- Latvia’s president calls for comprehensive approach to UN peacekeeping

Photo by www.president.lv

The President of Latvia today called for a comprehensive approach to United Nations peacekeeping, involving all facets of the system, in his address to the annual high-level debate of the General Assembly. A former surgeon, President Valdis Zatlers drew an analogy between surgery and collective security. “It is not enough for the Security Council to prescribe peacekeeping operations, crucial as they are for international peace and security,” he said. “The whole United Nations system is necessary for the long-term recovery of conflict zones.” He paid tribute to dedicated staff working in difficult peacekeeping missions. “It is our duty in our capitals and here at the UN Headquarters to support their efforts, each Member State according to its capacity,” he said. More...

September 20, 2007- Estonia Won't Allow Survey for Pipeline
By JARI TANNER, Associated Press Writer

TALLINN, Estonia (AP) - Estonia decided Thursday it will not allow a German-Russian consortium to conduct a survey of its exclusive economic zone in the Baltic Sea for a planned underwater gas pipeline.
The survey was necessary for a possible rerouting of the 750-mile pipeline that will deliver natural gas from Russia to Germany under the Baltic Sea.
"Each coastal country has full sovereignty and a right to make decision involving its own waters," Foreign Minister Urmas Paet said in a news conference. "Furthermore, we think the Baltic Sea is not a proper place for such a pipeline."

Estonia's refusal won't stop the $7 billion project _ dubbed Nord Stream _ from proceeding toward its 2010 launch. The pipeline's route, approved last year by the consortium, does not cross into Estonia's territorial waters. More...

June 27, 2007- President Toomas Hendrik Ilves speech at CSIS

Photo by www.president.ee

"... I’ll probably disappoint some of you here that I’m actually not going to talk very much about Russia because in fact the interests of Estonia are very much more in Europe and in the West and in the transatlantic relationship than it is to constantly have to deal with these other issues that, well, they won’t go away, but they are not intellectually very interesting and they are not politically very interesting except as tactical defense issues. But other than that, really the real interests of Estonia, the real interests of the West has to do with where Europe is going, and that is what I want to – I want to concentrate on today – though of course I recognize that – (inaudible) – dealing with all kinds of – will be asking you – allowing to ask me all sorts of questions on issues relating to the cold peace that he has written about so well in his – I don’t know if it’s your most recent book, but nonetheless in the book called the "Cold Peace," which I recommend to everyone who hasn’t read it yet. More...

June 12, 2007- President Bush Attends Dedication of Victims of Communism Memorial
For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary

White House photo by Joyce N. Boghosian

THE PRESIDENT: ...And here in the company of men and women who resisted evil and helped bring down an empire, I proudly accept the Victims of Communism Memorial on behalf of the American people. (Applause.) The 20th century will be remembered as the deadliest century in human history. And the record of this brutal era is commemorated in memorials across this city. Yet, until now, our Nation's Capital had no monument to the victims of imperial Communism, an ideology that took the lives of an estimated 100 million innocent men, women and children. So it's fitting that we gather to remember those who perished at Communism's hands, and dedicate this memorial that will enshrine their suffering and sacrifice in the conscience of the world. Building this memorial took more than a decade of effort, and its presence in our capital is a testament to the passion and determination of two distinguished Americans: Lev Dobriansky, whose daughter Paula is here -- (applause) -- give your dad our best. And Dr. Lee Edwards. (Applause.) They faced setbacks and challenges along the way, yet they never gave up, because in their hearts, they heard the voices of the fallen crying out: "Remember us." More... "

May 24, 2007- U.S. House Moves Closer to Passing Resolution Supporting Estonia
JBANC Press Release

Washington, DC (JBANC) --- The Joint Baltic American National Committee, Inc. (JBANC) representing principle national organizations of Americans of Estonian, Latvian, and Lithuanian heritage has released a Position Paper this week calling for the United States Congress to stay on course in supporting Estonia against aggressive behavior by the Russian Federation. The U.S. House of Representatives is currently considering legislation stating solidarity with Estonian and condemning Moscow's recent malevolent actions. More...

U.S. Must Support Estonia and Other Targets of Russian Aggression
JBANC Position Paper: May 23, 2007

The Joint Baltic American National Committee, Inc. (JBANC), representing one million Americans of Estonian, Latvian, and Lithuanian heritage, fully supports H. Res. 397, condemning the recent violence and attacks against Estonia and expressing solidarity with the government and people of Estonia.

JBANC supports Estonia's decision to move the Bronze Soldier Soviet monument. The Bronze Soldier Soviet monument and the graves of a dozen soldiers in central Tallinn were not removed from view, or destroyed, but moved from a heavily trafficked urban area to a more appropriate location in a wartime cemetery in the Estonian capital. Those who want to honor the fallen Red Army soldiers can do so in a contemplative and respectful manner at this new site. More...

JUNE 12th: Dedication of the Victims of Communism Memorial

Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation Presents a Day of Dedication for the Memorial, on June 12, 2007, in Washington D.C. The dedication will take place at the Memorial site at the intersection of Massachusetts Ave., N.W., New Jersey Ave., N.W., and G St., N.W., two blocks from Union Station and within view of the U.S. Capitol. A reception will follow the ceremony.

The day's activities will conclude with a gala dinner at the J.W. Marriott Hotel, at which a Truman-Reagan Medal of Freedom will be presented to William F. Buckley, Jr., and the late Senator Henry M. (Scoop) Jackson. Senator Joe Lieberman will present the Medal of Freedom to Senator Jackson's daughter, Anna Marie Laurence.

View the Invitation here. RSVP for the Event here. For more information, click here

May 28, 2007- Putin's Powerful Youth Guard
By Owen Matthews and Anna Nemtsova
Newsweek International

The Kremlin has a new weapon in its war on real or imagined enemies, from opponents at home to foreign revolutionaries.

The attacks came in waves, with military precision. Hours after Estonia removed a World War II statue of a Soviet soldier from downtown Tallinn last month, virtual war broke out. News agencies, banks and government offices were targeted in a blitzkrieg of spam—an onslaught of billions of e-mails, many apparently generated in Russia, that brought down servers and jammed bandwidths to bursting. As "eTonia's" famous digital-based free markets and democracy buckled under the strain, top NATO Internet security experts last week rushed to construct defenses against the world's first massive cyberstrike by a superpower on a tiny and almost defenseless neighbor. More...

May 15, 2007- Why modern Russia is a state of denial
By Boris Berezovsky, www.telegraph.co.uk

Last week saw the commemoration of Victory Day in Russia, which remembers the defeat of Nazi Germany in the Second World War. Last month came the upsetting removal of a Soviet war memorial, known as The Bronze Soldier, from the centre of the Estonian capital, Tallinn, to a Russian military cemetery on its outskirts.

These events forced me to revisit aspects of the Soviet Union's shameful and violent communist past, which now need to be addressed by present-day Russia in order to preserve relations between my motherland and post-communist Eastern Europe. More...

May 10, 2007- H.Res. 397 introduced in support of Estonia

House resolution introduced on May 10 in support of Estonia by Congressman John Shimkus (R-IL), co-chairman of the House Baltic Caucus. The text of the resolution mirrors the Senate resolution passed on May 4.

Status as of May 10.

H.RES.397 Title: Condemning violence in Estonia and attacks on Estonia's embassies in 2007, and expressing solidarity with the Government and the people of Estonia. Sponsor: Rep Shimkus, John [IL-19] (introduced 5/10/2007) Cosponsors (19) Latest Major Action: 5/10/2007 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

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COSPONSORS(19), ALPHABETICAL [followed by Cosponsors withdrawn]:

Rep Bono, Mary [CA-45] - 5/10/2007
Rep Camp, Dave [MI-4] - 5/10/2007
Rep Costa, Jim [CA-20] - 5/10/2007
Rep Costello, Jerry F. [IL-12] - 5/10/2007
Rep Feeney, Tom [FL-24] - 5/10/2007
Rep Gallegly, Elton [CA-24] - 5/10/2007
Rep Holden, Tim [PA-17] - 5/10/2007
Rep Kildee, Dale E. [MI-5] - 5/10/2007
Rep King, Steve [IA-5] - 5/10/2007
Rep McCotter, Thaddeus G. [MI-11] - 5/10/2007
Rep Miller, Candice S. [MI-10] - 5/10/2007
Rep Neal, Richard E. [MA-2] - 5/10/2007
Rep Pascrell, Bill, Jr. [NJ-8] - 5/10/2007
; Rep Pitts, Joseph R. [PA-16] - 5/10/2007
Rep Rogers, Mike J. [MI-8] - 5/10/2007
Rep Shuster, Bill [PA-9] - 5/10/2007
Rep Smith, Christopher H. [NJ-4] - 5/10/2007
Rep Stupak, Bart [MI-1] - 5/10/2007
Rep Upton, Fred [MI-6] - 5/10/2007

May 10, 2007- JBANC Letter to Members of U.S. House of Representatives

...We ask that you stand with us in helping Estonia, our ally in NATO and member of the EU, fend off these unwarranted attacks. Moscow should be admonished for supporting such bullying and for interfering in the internal affairs of a sovereign nation. We look forward to your support of House legislation that would mirror S. Res. 187, passed May 3, which condemns those tactics. More...

May 10, 2007- Stand by Estonia
Telegraph UK

Vladimir Putin needs a history lesson. At a parade in Red Square yesterday commemorating the end of the Second World War, the Russian president accused the Estonian government of belittling that conflict, desecrating a monument to war heroes, insulting its own people and sowing distrust between nations. More...

May 7, 2007- RUSSIAN STRATEGY, EU DRIFT IN ESTONIA
By Vladimir Socor

Russia’s ongoing political offensive against Estonia -- and implicit challenge to the European Union -- constitutes the first serious attempt to reverse the post-1991 status quo in Europe. Moscow seems to be targeting Estonia as a first test case of such a process.

Further Russian challenges to the existing European order are likely to ensue if European governments and institutions tolerate, as seems mostly to be the case thus far, the assault on Estonia. More from jamestown.org

May 7, 2007- A Soviet Memorial -- and Mind-Set
By Fred Hiatt, The Washington Post

In 1994, Russian President Boris Yeltsin and his Estonian counterpart, the polymath Lennart Meri, chummily drank together in a Kremlin chamber as their foreign ministers labored nearby to complete a historic treaty to withdraw all Russian troops from the tiny Baltic state.

When it was time to celebrate the finished draft, Yeltsin mocked his own foreign minister, Andrei Kozyrev, for his weak drinking skills -- "Bring the boy some ice cream," he roared to an attendant -- but approved the agreement. That may have been the high-water mark of Russia's willingness to face its imperialist history and allow its neighbors to live in peace. More...

JBANC with Jeannie Siskovic

May 5, 2007- Sen. Voinovich and other Senate supporters of Estonia resolution thanked by JBANC Washington, DC (JBANC) --- On Friday, May 4 members of the Joint Baltic American National Committee, Inc. (JBANC) met with Jeannie Siskovic, Foreign Policy advisor to Sen. George Voinovich (R-OH), to thank the Senator for his support in condemning the recent violence and attacks against Estonia. Legislation (S. Res. 187) that was introduced by Senator Voinovich and co-sponsored by Senators Joseph Biden (D-DE), Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), Joseph Lieberman (I-CT), and Gordon Smith (R-OR), quickly passed in the Senate by unanimous consent on the evening of Thursday, May 3. More...

May 3, 2007- Estonia Statue Crisis
by Hon. Thaddeus G. McCotter, United States Representative United States House of Representatives

"... After a long, illegal, and unjust Soviet occupation, Estonia now rightly and proudly stands by our side in the ranks of free nations. Nobly and selflessly, Estonia is steadfast in its defense of civilization from our barbaric enemies, and has championed the cause of human freedom throughout our world. Disturbingly, last week this free people's very national sovereignty was threatened. More...

May 3, 2007- Imperially Deluded
By MART LAAR Wall Street Journal

TALLINN -- Flush with petrodollars, and amid disarray in the Western camp, Russia's hopes of restoring its lost empire are rising.

Vladimir Putin's annual address to both houses of the parliament, delivered last week, was just the latest signal. The Russian president declared that his country's obligations under the Conventional Forces in Europe (CFE) Treaty would be suspended as long as the U.S. planned to install a missile defense shield in Poland and the Czech Republic. Mr. Putin threatened Russia would abandon the treaty if NATO countries failed to address his grievances. The defense shield, he claimed, was a threat to national security. More...

May 2, 2007- Tensions in Estonian-Russian Relations
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2007/may/84181.htm
Press Statement
Tom Casey, Deputy Spokesman
Washington, DC

We welcome the restoration of calm in Tallinn following the relocation of the Bronze Soldier monument. Decisions on placement of the memorial to soldiers who died fighting the Nazis in World War II belong to the Estonian government. Throughout the past week's controversy following the Estonian Government's relocation of the Soviet-era memorial, we have urged the Estonian and Russian governments to maintain dialogue and respect for the strong feelings on both sides.

We are concerned, however, about continuing reports of violence and harassment, including harassment of Estonian diplomatic personnel and premises in Moscow. We welcome President Ilves' call today for reconciliation among Estonia's citizens and for dialogue between Estonians and Russians. We urge authorities in Moscow to do everything possible to reduce tensions, carry out responsibilities under the Vienna Convention concerning diplomatic premises and diplomats, and avoid harsh words and escalation.

May 1, 2007- SHIMKUS ISSUES STATEMENT SUPPORTING ESTONIA

Washington, DC.....Congressman John Shimkus (R, Illinois-19) issued the following statement in support of Estonia:

"I strongly condemn Russian actions and look forward to Russia's swift cooperation in respecting the sovereignty of Estonia. I call for an immediate end to the blockade of the Estonian Embassy in Moscow, as well as for the cancellation of all other attempts to undermine the Estonian government. If necessary, I am ready to raise this issue on the floor of the United States House."

Shimkus is co-chair of the Baltic Caucus and a U.S. delegate to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly.

The Estonian Embassy in Moscow has been under siege by demonstrators since April 26, and Russian authorities are not controlling the situation. Before making a visit to Estonia, a Russian Duma (parliament) delegation issued a statement that "the government must step down."

The Russians are also making cyber attacks against official Estonian websites.
Estonia has also increased border security in order to stop pro-Putin extremists from entering the country.

May 1, 2007- ALIEN VANDALISM IN ESTONIA’S CAPITAL
By Vladimir Socor

The city of Tallinn is assessing the damage after two consecutive nights of violent rioting by gangs of mostly young local Russians. The third night passed relatively quietly. Ostensibly triggered by the expected relocation of the Red Army monument (the Bronze Soldier) from downtown Tallinn, the protests turned into a rampage, with drunkenness and plunder overriding the political or ethnic motivations. Compared to the first night of rioting, April 26-27 (see EDM, April 27), the night of April 27-28 featured even younger mobs, partly under 18 years of age, looting shops in the downtown Viru Street and Vabaduse Square, after having devastated the shops on Tatari Street the preceding night. They particularly sought out sports clothes and liquor. Rioters holding bottles of alcoholic drink became the iconic image of both nights. They also smashed windows at the Estonia Theater, the Estonian Academy of Arts, and the governing Reform Party’s offices. In a rare political gesture, a large group of secondary-school students demonstrated outside the parliament building under the slogan, “USSR Forever.” Occasionally during both nights, rioters waved the Russian flag or shouted “Russia, Russia;” but such episodes were isolated and uncharacteristic of the events as a whole. More from jamestown.org

Red Army Monument

March 19, 2007- Shimkus Cosponsors Visa Waiver Program Legislation

Washington, DC.....Congressman John Shimkus (R, Illinois-19) is joining as the lead Republican sponsor of Visa Waiver Program legislation introduced by Congressman Rahm Emanuel (D, Illinois-5). The Visa Waiver Modernization Act of 2007 (HR 1543) is similar to Senator Voinovich's amendment that has already passed the Senate. More...

March 13, 2007- Sen. Voinovich's Visa Waiver Legislation Passes Senate

WASHINGTON, D.C.- Today, the full Senate voted for passage of S. 4, the Improving America's Security by Implementing Unfinished Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007. The bill includes an amendment authored by U.S. Senator George V. Voinovich (R-OH) that extends visa-free travel privileges to our allies in the Global War on Terror. The amendment, called the Secure Travel and Counterterrorism Partnership Act of 2007, will improve cooperation with key allies while strengthening U.S. national security interests and promoting U.S. economic competitiveness. The bill was passed by a vote of 60 to 38. More... February 14, 2007- Keynote speech by President Valdas Adamkus at the JBANC 7th Baltic Conference: "Oil and Blood: Baltic Energy and the Legacy of Communism"

Honorable Senators, Your Excellencies Ambassadors, Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear Friends of Lithuania and All Friends of the Baltic Nations,

I am delighted to be here today among our true friends, supporters of Lithuania and the other Baltic States, who walked together with us down the long road to independence and national rebirth, to Lithuania's return to the family of European nations and its establishment as an active promoter of democracy further into the East of Europe. More...

February 14, 2007- Conference Gallery Day One Day Two

Photo by Anders Brownworth

Registration Agenda Baltic Doc Film Showcase

Washington, DC (JBANC) --- The Joint Baltic American National Committee (JBANC) is pleased to announce that Senator Richard Lugar of Indiana will be special lunch speaker and 2007 Baltic Democracy Award recipient at its Conference on Energy Security and Baltic-Russian relations to be held February 10, 2007 in Washington, D.C. Senator Lugar, ranking Republican member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, who recently spoke at the NATO Summit in Riga, will address issues concerning the Baltics. Also added to the conference lineup is Cannes Film Festival award-winning filmmaker Andrei Nekrasov. Nekrasov, involved in projects documenting communism�s fallout, has recently been in the news due to his close friendship with Alexander Litvinenko, the Russian dissident/former spy, murdered by radiation poisoning. Litvinenko�s last words were spoken to Nekrasov, who was at his bedside in London when he died. As previously announced, Lithuanian President Valdas Adamkus will make a keynote address to the morning session of the conference assessing the energy situation in the Baltics and its geopolitical ramifications. The conference begins Friday, February 9, with a briefing by four U.S. government officials from the State Department, National Security Council and Department of Defense, to be followed by a Baltic documentary film showcase and reception at the Woodrow Wilson Center in the Reagan building.

September 27, 2006- Baltic-Americans Help to Break Ground During Victims of Communism Memorial Ceremony Washington, DC (JBANC) --- Ground was broken in Washington, DC on September 27 to begin construction of the Victims of Communism memorial. Nearly 200 people attended the ceremony, which featured speakers Paula Dobriansky, the Undersecretary of State for Democracy and Global Affairs, and Congressman Dana Rohrabacher, one of the sponsors of the authorizing legislation in the U.S. Congress in 1993. VOC Memorial Foundation chairman Lee Edwards underscored the efforts of a wide array of supporters of the memorial, from individuals to large private foundations to foreign governments, including Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia. The support of ethnic communities was also highlighted, led by the Latvian, Estonian, and Lithuanian communities in the United States. More...

September 26, 2006 - House Baltic Caucus Co-Chairs Join Seven Embassies to Support Visa Waiver Program

(Joining Congressmen John Shimkus and Dennis Kucinich were Polish Ambassador Janusz Reiter, Estonian Ambassador J�ri Luik, Latvian Ambassador Maris Riekstins, Czech Ambassador Petr Kolar, Hungarian Ambassador Andras Simonyi, Slovak Ambassador Ratislav Kacer, and Lithuanian Deputy Chief of Mission Kornelija Jurgaitiene.)

Washington, DC (JBANC) --- Congressmen John Shimkus and Dennis Kucinich, co-chairs of the seventy-member strong House Baltic Caucus, joined diplomats from Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic, to hold a September 26 press conference on the Visa Waiver issue. The briefing took place outside the Cannon House Office Building in Washington, D.C. More...

September 23, 2006 - Ilves wins Estonia presidency

TALLINN, Estonia (AP) -- European Parliament member Toomas Hendrik Ilves was elected Estonia's new president Saturday, defeating incumbent Arnold Ruutel in an electoral college vote. More...

September 22, 2006- Vike-Freiberga UN Secretary General Candidacy Supported by Baltic-Americans Vote in UN Expected Soon

Washington, DC (JBANC) --- The Joint Baltic American National Committee, Inc. (JBANC) joins other Baltic-Americans in supporting the candidacy of Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga to become the next Secretary-General of the United Nations. More...

September 15, 2006- UNDER SECRETARY DOBRIANSKY TO SPEAK AT SEPT. 27 GROUNDBREAKING ON CAPITOL HILL

Washington, D.C. – The Victims Communism Memorial Foundation has announced that Under Secretary of State for Democracy and Global Affairs Paula J. Dobriansky will be the featured speaker at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Memorial on Wednesday morning, September 27. More...

September 7, 2006- President Bush to Visit Estonia and to Participate in the NATO Summit in Latvia

President Bush will travel to Estonia and Latvia in November 2006 to support the advance of freedom and to strengthen the NATO Alliance. The President will have a bilateral program in Tallinn, Estonia on November 28, 2006, including meetings with the President and Prime Minister of Estonia. The President will then travel to Riga, Latvia to participate in the NATO Summit on November 28 and 29, 2006. In addition to the Summit events, President Bush will have bilateral meetings with the President of Latvia and the NATO Secretary General. More...

August 2, 2006 - CEEC meets again with National Security Council to Discuss G-8 Summit

The Central and East European Coalition (CEEC) met with the National Security Council in a follow up meeting on August 2 to discuss the results of the G-8 Summit, recently held in St. Petersburg, Russia. Dr. J.D. Crouch, Assistant to the President and Deputy National Security Advisor briefed the participants, which included other White House National Security directors, and representatives of many of the CEEC's 19 member organizations, including the Lithuanian American Council and JBANC. More...

Belarus Democracy Reauthorization Act Introduced July 27, 2006

The Belarus Democracy Reauthorization Act was introduced in the House of Representatives on July 27, 2007 by Helsinki Commission Co-Chairman Rep. Christopher H. Smith (R-NJ). Rep. Tom Lantos (D-CA) and Thaddeus McCotter (R-MI) are original cosponsors. More..

July 20, 2006- Victims of Communism Memorial Fundraising Goal is Reached; Ground-breaking Planned for September 2006

Washington, DC (JBANC) --- The Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation announced on July 19 that it has met its fundraising goal of $825,000 and expects to break ground for its Memorial to the more than 100 million victims of communism in September. More..

July 18, 2006- JBANC Meets New U.S. Ambassador to Lithuania John A. Cloud

Washington, DC (JBANC) --- On July 12, at the invitation of the State Department, members of JBANC met with John A. Cloud, who will be sworn in at the State Department on Tuesday, July 18, as the new Ambassador to Lithuania. More...

July 13, 2006 -CEEC Delegation Meets with U.S. National Security Advisors on Eve of the G-8 Summit

Washington, DC (JBANC) --- Members of the Central and East European Coalition (CEEC) met on July 11 with National Security advisors to President Bush and Vice-President Cheney to discuss their concerns on the eve of the G-8 Summit, being held this weekend, July 15-17, in St. Petersburg, Russia. More...

June 7, 2006- Address by the State President of Latvia at a joint session of the United States Congress, Washington

...It is with deep emotion that I stand before you within these august walls and thank you for the honor of addressing you on behalf of the Latvian people.

I believe this honor to be bestowed upon me in recognition of Latvia’s strivings, sacrifices and extraordinary success in transforming itself from a captive nation under the yoke of a foreign totalitarian regime into a reestablished democracy with a flourishing market economy. More...

May 25, 2006- Ask Congress to Include Baltics in Visa Waiver Program

Washington, DC (JBANC) --- The citizens of twenty-two European countries enjoy visa-free travel privileges to the United States. Notable exceptions to this policy are the Baltic countries (Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania), and Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic. All seven are members of both NATO and the EU. Recently, Congress took action to redress this discriminatory policy towards Eastern Europeans, but they haven't gone far enough. We need your help to make sure Congress takes the necessary steps to end discriminatory visa policies towards the citizens of these countries, including the Baltics. More...

May 24, 2006- Letter of Six Ambassadors to Members of U.S. Congress regarding the Visa Waiver Program

The United States is home to millions of European descendents, including those from our nations, who came here to live, to build, and to fight for this country. Their contributions are at the foundation of the success of the United States. This common heritage has always helped us create close ties and promote friendship and mutual understanding with the United States. In short, we share a history, values, and views as one large transatlantic family. More...

May 18, 2006 - Congressman Shimkus addresses Visa Waiver issue in House floor speech

The Baltic Countries Entrance into the U.S. Visa Waiver Program

MR. SHIMKUS: Mr. Speaker, today I rise to speak in opposition to the perceived exclusion of the countries of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania from an amendment adopted by the Senate in their immigration bill yesterday. More...

May 4, 2006- Vice President's Remarks at the 2006 Vilnius Conference Reval Hotel Lietuva
Vilnius, Lithuania

For Immediate Release
Office of the Vice President

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2006/05/print/20060504-1.html

April 27, 2006- Walesa Honored for Anti-Communist Activities
By ALEX STOROZYNSKI, Special to The New York Sun

The world took a collective sigh of relief in 1989 when the Berlin Wall crumbled and the Soviet Union collapsed. The Cold War fizzled and nuclear annihilation was avoided. Yet only now, nearly two decades later, are those who were killed by Communist regimes finally being remembered. More...

April 20, 2006- Estonia makes donation to Victims of Communism Memorial
TALLINN(Interfax) - The Estonian government decided on Thursday to commit 65,500 krooni to the construction of the Victims of Communism Memorial in Washington, a source at the governmental press service told Interfax. The current exchange rate is 15.6 krooni to the dollar.

"The construction of a memorial commemorating over 100 million victims of communism will start in the U.S. capital this summer. It is due to end in June 2007," the source said.

A sculpture representing democracy will be positioned on a stone pedestal. The monument will be installed on an area of 100 square meters on Capital Hill.

U.S. President George Bush is the honorary chairman of the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation. Estonian late president Lennart Meri was a member of the Foundation's international council.

March 23, 2006- Tent Camp in Central Square in Minsk is Stormed - Protests Continue

Washington, DC (JBANC) --- Reports are coming in of the storming of the main square in Minsk by police forces (early morning, March 24 local time). Numerous supporters of democracy, perhaps in the hundreds, had been camped out there since Sunday following a presidential election that has been declared fraudulent by Western observers. The protestors were dispersed or carted off by the authorities. More...

March 16 Belarus solidarity events in Washington, DC

Washington, DC (JBANC) --- Demonstrators gathered again in front of the Belarusian Embassy in Washington, DC on March 16 to protest against the authoritarian regime of Alexander Lukashenko, and to offer support for the people of that country. Later that evening, a candlelight vigil was held by students and supporters at Georgetown University. More...

March 14, 2006 - Window on Eurasia: Lennart Meri (1929-2006) The Passing of the Symbol of the Continuity of Estonia

Nov. 4, 2005- Memorial to Victims of Communism Gets Green Light to Build Washington, DC (JBANC) --- A memorial in Washington, DC to honor the victims of communism was given final clearance by a federal oversight body on Thursday, November 3. The National Capital Planning Commission moved unanimously to approve the design for the Memorial, to be built at a location on the corner of Massachusetts and New Jersey Avenues, N.W., just off Capitol Hill. More...

June 28, 2005- JBANC Meets with Congressman Alcee Hastings (D-FL) JBANC Meets with Congressman Alcee Hastings (D-FL) on Eve of OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Annual Session. Hastings is President of the OSCE PA. More...