November 24, 2004 Washington, D.C. (JBANC) --- The Joint Baltic American National Committee, Inc. (JBANC) has written to President Bush urging the United States to “continue to make clear that the fraud that accompanied the Ukrainian presidential elections is not acceptable.” JBANC further states that this is a “key moment” in the post-Soviet era and that the gains made in the past ten years in the region may be in jeopardy. Copies of letters to the President were also sent to the Secretary of State, the National Security Council, and Members of Congress. JBANC urges Baltic American groups and individuals to write similar letters to the President and Members of Congress. Text of JBANC letter: November 24, 2004 The President The White House Washington, DC 20500 Dear Mr. President: On behalf of the Joint Baltic American National Committee, Inc. (JBANC), representing one million Baltic Americans, we urge you to continue to make clear that the fraud that accompanied the Ukrainian presidential elections is not acceptable. In addition, it should also be evident that the Russian Federation should not be interfering in the internal affairs of sovereign nations. This is an especially critical moment in the post-Soviet era. Given its size and population, the course that Ukraine chooses, whether to embrace the West or East, will have a profound effect on the entire region. The gains the region has made in the last ten years may be in jeopardy if Ukraine chooses the wrong path. The United States must continue to make its voice heard on this matter. Sincerely, Karl Altau Managing Director |
Octobr 17, 2008 - President Bush Discusses the Visa Waiver Program Office of the Press Secretary/ White House News  THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all. (Applause.) Please be seated, thank you. Welcome to the White House. I'm pleased to stand with the representatives of seven countries -- the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia, and South Korea -- that have met the requirements to be admitted to the United States Visa Waiver Program. Soon the citizens of these nations will be able to travel to the United States for business or tourism without a visa. I congratulate these close friends and allies on this achievement, and I thank you for joining us here.I also thank Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Secretary of the Homeland -- Department of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff for working hard to make sure this day has finally arrived. Appreciate other members of the administration here and members of the Diplomatic Corps. More... 400 Hurley Avenue Rockville, MD 20850-3121 tel. 301-340-1954 fax: 301-309-1406 e-mail:jbanc@jbanc.org |