THE VOICE OF INTERNATIONAL LITHUANIA
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Opinions
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Novelist Antanas Sileika on the Traku - Pylimo street corner in Vilnius – with his book Underground.
Photo Aage Myhre
Why this perpetual
return to Lithuania?
Standing on the corner
of Traku and Pylimo
A writer muses about the foreign sources for his work and what it means to be a Canadian
By Antanas Sileika, novelist
For the fourth year in a row I’m standing at the crossroads of Pylimo and Traku Streets in Vilnius, Lithuania, worrying the place, trying to sift the stories that lie like dust between the cobblestones. I’m slightly sick of this baroque, labyrinthine city - the strangulated cries of the swallows at dusk make me think of the dead souls of forgotten citizens.
Read more…
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The essay gives an articulate voice to rather similar but jumbled thoughts rattling around and bothering me in my own head
Dear Tony,
Just a note to let you know how much I enjoyed the essay above. I feel bad it's been around since 2011 and I hadn't seen it. (Bankers don't read Queen's Quarterly, I guess. At least not this one!) Thanks to Aage for allowing it to appear here. The essay gives an articulate voice to rather similar but jumbled thoughts rattling around and bothering me in my own head. But that's what fine writers and storytellers are about after all. Thank you.
Rimantas Aukstuolis
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Europe’s dependence on Russian gas.
Lithuanian heating costs reach astronomical heights:
Russian gas up 450% in just seven years!
Lithuania pays 15% more than Latvia and Estonia, 25% more than Germany for the same Russian gas.
Read more...
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Florence is the world’s most
famous Renaissance city
Photo Aage Myhre
VILNIUS, MILAN AND FLORENCE
The three Renaissance
Capitals of the World!
Did you know that throughout the Renaissance period, when Italy was a trading centre and a melting pot for the world’s greatest civilisations, Vilnius also became a Renaissance centre, competing with Florence and Milan?
The two great nations merged when Grand Duke Sigismund the Old (1467-1548) married the Princess of the Italian city of Milan, Bona Sforza, and returned to reign in and from Vilnius as the capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. The royal couple created an Italian community within the court and, under the influence of the new Grand Duchess, Italian culture became the preoccupation of the city’s elite….
Category : Opinions
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Aage Myhre We in Northern Europe should soon start to be proud of the phenomenally prominent cultural role of Vilnius through the Middle Ages, also on behalf of other North European countries ...
Julia Stork Interesting information overall, Aage! And particularly interesting is the architect's perspective on Vilnius -- I can better understand the "draw" I felt in baroque Rome.
Nellie Vin O yes we very proud its beautiful cities Vilnius, Kaunas etc. but now I want to be ironical - but if migration goes like going until now, it may Vilnius will be united with Warsaw and its my good prediction I no want to say worst possibilities.
Linas Johansonas Lithuania had heavy migration & loss of population after the first World War & rebounded. I feel it will rebound again.
Aage Myhre The solution is very obvious ... You Lithuanians must simply begin to love each other, care for each other and for what your nation represents ...
Boris Bakunas Great article when it comes to architecture, Aage. Too bad about that it suggests Gediminas, a devout pagan, wanted to Christianize Lithuania.
* Grand Duke Gediminas in 1323 – the same year he founded the city – wrote to Pope John XXII asking for support in Christianizing the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, by then one of Europe’s leading nations."
In fact, historians agree that Gediminas was just toying with the Pope. He was a devout pagan who used both diplomacy and war to preserve the culture, traditions, and religion of Medieval Lithuania. He referred to himself as King of Lithuania and Ruthenia, a title that the Pope begrudgingly accepted in a communication to him.
It is extremely important, as Jon Platakis has written, that Lithuanians reclaim their history and their dignity by refusing to allow hostile, foreign historians to write it for us.
All oppressors try to make those they oppress feel inferior. All try to rob them of their national identity. And sadly, too many Lithuanians have unconsciously succumbed to this insidious campaign of misinformation.
Let's start calling our kings and emperors by their rightful titles -- just like Norwegians do!
Jon Platakis Having pride in Lithuania's past gives tremendous impetus to having pride in Lithuania's future. This is why it is extremely important for us to take back our history that, for over 200 years, has been usurped by oppressors and other foreigners. As in the case of Gediminas, S.C. Rowell and other reputable historians have pointed out that Gediminas never intended to accept Christianity nor Christianize Lithuania. It is heartening to note that leading Lithuanian historians are now in agreement with long held beliefs of the National Lithuanian American Hall of Fame that there is no reason why Lithuania's "Grand Dukes" cannot be addressed as Kings.
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. The book is soft cover and 103 pages long. This was part of a series, such as Hungarians in Michigan, Latvians in Michigan, Mexicans in Michigan, Poles in Michigan, etc. This particular book gives the reader an introduction to the Lithuanian history and the reasons and circumstances they settled in Michigan. It also takes pride in listing the contributions this ethnic group has made in Michigan, and highlights some of their important organizations here. My town of Albion is mentioned and my grandfather's (Nikodemas Kulikauskas (Mike Kulikowski) picture with the fish is in this. Also in here is a "Lithuania Lunch" token from Detroit.
Frank Passic
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Dr. Kristijonas Vizbaras
VIC
VILNIUS INTERNATIONAL CLUB
VIC Meeting,
30 January at 19:00,
in ARTIS Hotel,
Liejyklos Str. 11/23, Vilnius.
Meeting topic:
"Laser Technology:
the Achievements of Lithuanians in Semiconductor Physics"
Speech by Dr. Kristijonas Vizbaras,
Co-founder of Brolis Semiconductors Ltd. serving as a CTO at the company. His field of expertise encompasses molecular beam epitaxy of III-V semiconductors. His innovations have resulted in a number of world-record devices. Kristijonas’ educational background is BSc in EE from Vilnius University (Lithuania), MSc in Physics from Royal Institute of Technology (Sweden) and PhD studies at Technische Universität München ( Germany). He has authored and co-authored more than 25 publications in leading scientific technical journals and conference proceedings.
Welcome to a new VIC Meeting! We invite both members and non-members, but hope many non-members will fill in the attached form and register as members of VIC. More information and membership form also at our website http://vilnius-international-club.com/
VilNews started as a newsletter
for VIC, back in 2001!
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In January 1991 I crossed the barricades to visit President Vytautas Landsbergis in his Lithuanian Parliament office, while the Soviet troops and tanks continued to surround the building.
Visit to the Lithuanian Parliament (Seimas)
22 years later
This year I marked 13 January in the Lithuanian Parliament Building, 22 years after I in 1991 stood here along with Professor Landsbergis and looked out the window at the bonfires, barricades and the huge crowd of unarmed people who had gathered to protect their president and the country's future as a free nation.
I came here today with a group of young Lithuanians, most of them so young that they do not have their own memories of what happened here 22 years ago. Yet the memories of the sad events in January 1991 are very much alive and present for them. They want to remember that freedom and independence is not something you can take for granted, and they want to pursue a political career. They are Lithuania's future politicians. They are the future of young, well-educated, smart leaders that this country a few years ago could only dream about.
I walked around with them in the Parliament this 13th January. I saw their interests, and their pride in belonging to a great nation like this.
Read more...
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Nice to hear that there is hope for Lithuania
Kostas Cerskus Nice to hear that you Aage find that there is still hope for Lithuania!
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Encourage children to love their country so they will have respect someday as a citizen
Irene Simanavicius Everyone has a special affinity for the place they call home. Encourage children to love their country so they will have respect someday as a citizen. This is the best way to set a positive example. As children grow older, explain to them why you feel they should hold their country in high regard. ~:)
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I think we are facing a crossroads which bodes well for Lithuania!
Aage Myhre Kostas Cerskus, I have for some time now seen that young business people here are in full swing building up more professional structures and attitudes. That I now see the same happen among young politicians is very gratifying. Both of these groups feel to some extent that our new government is a step backwards, back to the "nomenclature times", but their young, Western-type way of thinking is certainly very encouraging and I think we are facing a crossroads which bodes well for Lithuania!
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You do not have to agree with every event and decision made in your country's history to love your country
Irene Simanavicius You certainly do not have to agree with every event and decision made in your country's history to love your country. Consider how the country recovered from mistakes, as well as its ideology as described in some guiding document (such as a constitution). Although such principles are not absolute, reflect on whether these precepts are conducive to a government you think would act with its citizens -- and humanity's -- best interests at heart.
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It appears that the young people are ready to take matters into their own hands, no longer waiting for the older politicians and leaders to show the way
Aage Myhre Irene Simanavicius, it is precisely such attitudes I now see more and more of among young Lithuanians. And this time, it appears that they are ready to take matters into their own hands, no longer waiting for the older politicians and leaders to show the way. It almost feels as if the spirit of January 1991 is back, now in a structured, pragmatic and professional manner.
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What you are reporting is excellent news
Irene Simanavicius ~Aage, what you are reporting is excellent news. Lithuanians from all over the world were actively involved in the events that transpired 22 years ago. We petitioned, we marched, we sent money for support and God knows we prayed hard!!!I just hope the young upcoming politicians remember:
What are some of the great things people have done and how they showed their love of their country? What are some of the things people have done with good intentions but poor results? Learned from their country's history -- both the good times and the bad times?
Now, they just have to learn to not be prejudiced or biased. Every country, religion, or racial group has its own beliefs. Like them you have your own so respect yours and respect them for theirs. As mentioned earlier… continually strive for a better country for all!
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Vilnius through an Italian camera lens
Photos: Erica from Bologna, Northern Italy
My name is Erica, I am 30 and I write from Italy. In 2009 I spent the spring time in Lithuania. I fell in love with this country, and here is why.
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A very heartwarming story. Thank you Erica.
Bernard Terway
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Erica: Really enjoyed reading your story. It is very nice to hear a non-Lithuanian praising our country. Hope you will return and also encourage your friends to do so as well.
Vytas Jonas
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Thank You (Aciu) for the tour via your words and eyes!!! You've captured much of what I too felt on my one and only trip (so far) to Lietuva. Your memories will last a lifetime. Have you plans to return? To rewalk your route from 2009?
Great job, and THANK YOU for sharing! Great photos too:)
Jenifer
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Thanks for your feedback! Actually I really, really hope to go back soon. I am just not sure when, watching some pictures makes me think that fall would be a great season (not too hot, not too cold); but springtime is when most of the events happen. Then, I also love snow, so... I can't decide! Should I rewalk the routes I know so well, or should I discover new places? Should I come alone or take someone with me? Also, lately I am quite afraid to find out that this nostalgic wait will make me feel disappointed once I'm there...
Erica
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22 YEARS AGO
The infamous 1991 January events took place in Lithuania 11-13 January 1991, in the aftermath of the Act of the re-establishment of the State of Lithuania. As a result of Soviet military actions, 14 civilians were killed and more than 1000 injured.
Jon Platakis 22 years ago, Lithuanians paid the price for freedom. I wonder if Lithuanians are willing to pay the price for freedom today.
Aage Myhre Jon Platakis, I think they would. The difference from 1991 is that back then they had an outspoken leader and a clear vision. Unfortunately, these features have been in short supply in Lithuania since then ...
Bartłomiej Kolubiński Glory to the Brave People!
Jenifer C. Dillis ...I just cried...As an American Lit, I had NO IDEA what was happening in Jan 1991. I was in college, safely tucked away here in America. My roots are Lit, but without having had any contact with any relatives or friends back in those days, I only HEARD stories of a frequent visitor who smuggled Levis in. I'm ashamed now...I was clueless of the truth...and my heart bleeds for Lietuva's Freedom Fighters both old and new...
Boris Bakunas All of Eastern Europe was aflame with hope back then. Many of those hopes remain to be fulfilled.
Jenifer C. Dillis no longer tanks to take on face~to~face...Hope can never die. It may be dimmed, but still burns! Tell us, PLEASE, how to help build it back up, and move forward. "Lietuva, Lietuva, Lietuva," is still ringing in the ears of millions...
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White picket fences
Copyright 1991 by Susan M. Lucas
(Now Susan Lucas Kazenas)
They came into my land
by the hundreds,
by the thousands.
They led their communist offenses
through my white picket fences
and hung their red iron curtains in my window.
They raped my pride
and murdered my children.
Those who escaped were not raped
but could not come home again.
Those left inside had nowhere to hide.
And I laid still in a cold, dead silence
while hot, burning tears
flooded my land.
It didn't go into the history books
of the many lives that they took.
It was a blood no one knew was shed;
because by the sickle it was led.
My beauty within is not seen without.
Do I have nothing to give the world?
My people are loyal,
but you see, I have no oil.
Nor do I have food on my plate
because the greedy bear sits and guards my gate.
Now I am his property when I was always MY OWN.
I belong to NO ONE
but the people who till my land
with their own bare hands,
And to my God to whom those hands are raised.
I have not forgotten my
White Picket Fences
torn down by your offenses.
I rebel against this prison called Fate.
I am the Baltic States.
(I wrote this in 1990 as Lithuania fought for its independence against the former USSR. This poem was hung on the wall by the TV tower in Vilnius after Bloody Sunday. I hope you enjoy it and welcome your comments.)
"Their wounds of war run so deep, one can still see the scars of the sickle."
Susan Lucas Kazenas
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Jurgis Bielinis (1846-1918)
Lithuania’s book smugglers became a symbol of resistance to Russification
Jurgis Bielinis was one of the most famous Lithuanian book-smugglers. "Book smugglers (Lithuanian: knygnešys, or plural knygnešiai) were people who transported Lithuanian language books printed in the Latin alphabet into Lithuanian-speaking areas of the Russian Empire, defying a ban on such materials in force from 1866 to 1904. Opposing imperial Russian authorities' efforts to replace the traditional Latin orthography with Cyrillic, and transporting printed matter from as far away as the United States to do so, the book smugglers became a symbol of Lithuanians' resistance to Russification." (Wikipedia) Thank you for the post, National Lithuanian American Hall of Fame!
Boris Bakunas
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I forgot all about it till now. Thank you Boris Bakunas for this post
Irene Simanavicius
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The Lithuanians who helped save our language, our culture, and our history were remarkable people
With so much dirt slung around on the internet, I applaud the National Lithuanian American Hall of Fame for helping to inspire Lithuanians and people of Lithuanian descent with examples we can learn from.
Boris Bakunas
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Chiune Sugihara:
The Japanese diplomat/spy who became a hero of the Holocaust
An article by Dr. Boris Bakunas, exclusively for VilNews.
Read it HERE
Comments:
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This man and his wife belong in the annals of history, not to be set aside, but to be lauded, loud and clear from every person with a heart and soul
Bernard Terway
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Sugihara deserves to be placed among the giants in Lithuanian history.
Jon Platakis
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In Japan, where he was first considered to be a traitor, he is celebrated as a hero
Daiva Repeckaite
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It is very important for Lithuanians, Israelis, the people of Japan, and people of goodwill around the world to spread their story as an example of what individuals can do to stem the hatred
Boris Bakunas
Category : Litvak forum sidebar / Opinions
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Kovno Chief Rabbi Yitzchak Elchanan Spector (1817-1896), served as chief rabbi of Kovno, the most prominent rabbinical position at the height of 19th century Lithuanian Jewry.
Jewish postcards from the past
https://vilnews.com/?p=790
We were very impressed with the scope of the articles, photos and vast scope of coverage of all things Lithuanian
Stephanie Comfort's Jewish Postcard Collection has been featured in the online Lithuania News called the "VilNews e-magazine". The VilNews e-magazine was launched on February 15, 2011 and hopes to be one of the most comprehensive online resources for Lithuania.
We were very impressed with the scope of the articles, photos and vast scope of coverage of all things Lithuania and wish them much success.
Category : Litvak forum sidebar / Opinions
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Wooden house in the Vilnius district of Uzupis. See also our VilNews slide show “Uzupis spring 2012”.
CLICK HERE to see the show.
Anyone ready to support us in saving the wooden houses in Vilnius and around in Lithuania?
Mr. Myhre;
You hit the bull in the eye by saying that the public’s understanding of the importance of this task is not very high. I have spent a bigger part of my professional life in fundraising and I see the problems ahead. I’d say, the first step is to start a campaign in raising the awareness of the people of the importance of Uzhupis and only when you see that the project is feasible, you roll up your sleeves.
Irena Cade
Amherst, MA
U.S.A.
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Tatjana Grigorjeva It's a good idea!
Wooden houses like this one, is a heritage of Lithuania!
Carol Luschas Taip!
Jenn Virskus Taip!
Milda Arquer Yes ! Those houses are really among the lithuanian symbols and heritages of the past !
Jurate Kutkus Burns Absolutely! Once they are gone, they cannot be replaced.
Irene Simanavicius What do you need? how can we help? Let's get going!!! :)
Ramute Julia Zukas Yes Aage, what help can we give?
Wyman Brent I guess it is considered progress to destroy the past. What a shame.
Boris Bakunas Yes, yes, and yes again!
Warren Thompson Yes
Danguole Juska heritage...
Rasa Mekuskaite Oho, it's maybe the first time when i can see the same coluor on a house and on a fence. And this light green hue. Where is it?
Aage Myhre It's in your beloved Uzupis, Rasa :)
Rasa Mekuskaite OK:)
Jan H. Hovde Do you have a plan?
Aage Myhre Vilnius Municipality has a plan, but has not been able to implement it due to financial reasons. Also, I have to say that the public understanding of the importance of keeping and maintaining this cultural treasure is not very high. I will now try to apply for EEA/Norwegian Grants and see what can be done, and it's seriously urgent as the majority of these buildings are in very bad conditions.
Linas Johansonas Who owns these houses?
Aage Myhre Private people, families, who simply were 'installed' there during the Soviet years, then given ownership rights to their apartments after 1991. Most of the families are poor people with no means to renovate or take care of their homes, hence public support is necessary.
Tomas Chepaitis Of course, sure, we should save them - some in Zhverynas are already destroyed
Tomas Chepaitis ...but destruction comes mostly from the architectural mafia:) or municipality, isn't it so, Your Excellency Architect of the Universe?
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OPINIONS
Have your say. Send to:
editor@VilNews.com
By Dr. Boris Vytautas Bakunas,
Ph. D., Chicago
Ph. D., Chicago
A wave of unity sweeps the international Lithuanian community on March 11th every year as Lithuanians celebrated the anniversary of the Lithuanian Parliament's declaration of independence from the Soviet Union in 1990. However, the sense of national unity engendered by the celebration could be short-lived.
Human beings have a strong tendency to overgeneralize and succumb to stereotypical us-them distinctions that can shatter even the strongest bonds. We need only search the internet to find examples of divisive thinking at work:
- "50 years of Soviet rule has ruined an entire generation of Lithuanian.
- "Those who fled Lithuania during World II were cowards -- and now they come back, flaunt their wealth, and tell us 'true Lithuanians' how to live."
- "Lithuanians who work abroad have abandoned their homeland and should be deprived of their Lithuanian citizenship."
Could such stereotypical, emotionally-charged accusations be one of the main reasons why relations between Lithuania's diaspora groups and their countrymen back home have become strained?- "Those who fled Lithuania during World II were cowards -- and now they come back, flaunt their wealth, and tell us 'true Lithuanians' how to live."
- "Lithuanians who work abroad have abandoned their homeland and should be deprived of their Lithuanian citizenship."
Text: Saulene Valskyte
In Lithuania Christmas Eve is a family event and the New Year's Eve a great party with friends!
Lithuanian say "Kaip sutiksi naujus metus, taip juos ir praleisi" (the way you'll meet the new year is the way you will spend it). So everyone is trying to spend New Year's Eve with friend and have as much fun as possible.
Lithuanian New Year's traditions are very similar to those in other countries, and actually were similar since many years ago. Also, the traditional Lithuanian New Years Eve party was very similar to other big celebrations throughout the year.
The New Year's Eve table is quite similar to the Christmas Eve table, but without straws under the tablecloth, and now including meat dishes. A tradition that definitely hasn't changes is that everybody is trying not to fell asleep before midnight. It was said that if you oversleep the midnight point you will be lazy all the upcoming year. People were also trying to get up early on the first day of the new year, because waking up late also meant a very lazy and unfortunate year.
During the New Year celebration people were dancing, singing, playing games and doing magic to guess the future. People didn't drink much of alcohol, especially was that the case for women.
Here are some advices from elders:
- During the New Year, be very nice and listen to relatives - what you are during New Year Eve, you will be throughout the year.
- During to the New Year Eve, try not to fall, because if this happens, next year you will be unhappy.
- If in the start of the New Year, the first news are good - then the year will be successful. If not - the year will be problematic.
New year predictions
* If during New Year eve it's snowing - then it will be bad weather all year round. If the day is fine - one can expect good harvest.* If New Year's night is cold and starry - look forward to a good summer!
* If the during New Year Eve trees are covered with frost - then it will be a good year. If it is wet weather on New Year's Eve, one can expect a year where many will die and dangerous epidemics occur.
* If the first day of the new year is snowy - the upcoming year will see many young people die. If the night is snowy - mostly old people will die.
* If the New Year time is cold - then Easter will be warm.
* If during New Year there are a lot of birds in your homestead - then all year around there will be many guests and the year will be fun.
Christmas greetings
from Vilnius
and epic battle for the
future
By Leonidas Donskis
Kaunas
Philosopher, political theorist, historian of
ideas, social analyst, and political
commentator
Philosopher, political theorist, historian of
ideas, social analyst, and political
commentator
Immediately after Russia stepped in Syria, we understood that it is time to sum up the convoluted and long story about Ukraine and the EU - a story of pride and prejudice which has a chance to become a story of a new vision regained after self-inflicted blindness.
Ukraine was and continues to be perceived by the EU political class as a sort of grey zone with its immense potential and possibilities for the future, yet deeply embedded and trapped in No Man's Land with all of its troubled past, post-Soviet traumas, ambiguities, insecurities, corruption, social divisions, and despair. Why worry for what has yet to emerge as a new actor of world history in terms of nation-building, European identity, and deeper commitments to transparency and free market economy?
Right? Wrong. No matter how troubled Ukraine's economic and political reality could be, the country has already passed the point of no return. Even if Vladimir Putin retains his leverage of power to blackmail Ukraine and the West in terms of Ukraine's zero chances to accede to NATO due to the problems of territorial integrity, occupation and annexation of Crimea, and mayhem or a frozen conflict in the Donbas region, Ukraine will never return to Russia's zone of influence. It could be deprived of the chances to join NATO or the EU in the coming years or decades, yet there are no forces on earth to make present Ukraine part of the Eurasia project fostered by Putin.
Ukraine was and continues to be perceived by the EU political class as a sort of grey zone with its immense potential and possibilities for the future, yet deeply embedded and trapped in No Man's Land with all of its troubled past, post-Soviet traumas, ambiguities, insecurities, corruption, social divisions, and despair. Why worry for what has yet to emerge as a new actor of world history in terms of nation-building, European identity, and deeper commitments to transparency and free market economy?
Right? Wrong. No matter how troubled Ukraine's economic and political reality could be, the country has already passed the point of no return. Even if Vladimir Putin retains his leverage of power to blackmail Ukraine and the West in terms of Ukraine's zero chances to accede to NATO due to the problems of territorial integrity, occupation and annexation of Crimea, and mayhem or a frozen conflict in the Donbas region, Ukraine will never return to Russia's zone of influence. It could be deprived of the chances to join NATO or the EU in the coming years or decades, yet there are no forces on earth to make present Ukraine part of the Eurasia project fostered by Putin.
want to learn about the
new, scary propaganda
war between Russia,
The West and the
Baltic States!
believe their government
is corrupt
Lithuania is perceived to be the country with the most widespread government corruption, according to an international survey involving almost 40 countries.
students say no to
bribes for doctors
On International Anticorruption Day, the Special Investigation Service shifted their attention to medical institutions, where citizens encounter bribery most often. Doctors blame citizens for giving bribes while patients complain that, without bribes, they won't receive proper medical attention. Campaigners against corruption say that bribery would disappear if medical institutions themselves were to take resolute actions against corruption and made an effort to take care of their patients.
By Grant Arthur Gochin
California - USA
Lithuania emerged from the yoke of the Soviet Union a mere 25 years ago. Since then, Lithuania has attempted to model upon other European nations, joining NATO, Schengen, and the EU. But, has the Soviet Union left Lithuania?
During Soviet times, government was administered for the people in control, not for the local population, court decisions were decreed, they were not the administration of justice, and academia was the domain of ideologues. 25 years of freedom and openness should have put those bad experiences behind Lithuania, but that is not so.
Today, it is a matter of expectation that court pronouncements will be governed by ideological dictates. Few, if any Lithuanians expect real justice to be effected. For foreign companies, doing business in Lithuania is almost impossible in a situation where business people do not expect rule of law, so, surely Government would be a refuge of competence?
Lithuanian Government has not emerged from Soviet styles. In an attempt to devolve power, Lithuania has created a myriad of fiefdoms of power, each speaking in the name of the Government, each its own centralized power base of ideology.
During Soviet times, government was administered for the people in control, not for the local population, court decisions were decreed, they were not the administration of justice, and academia was the domain of ideologues. 25 years of freedom and openness should have put those bad experiences behind Lithuania, but that is not so.
Today, it is a matter of expectation that court pronouncements will be governed by ideological dictates. Few, if any Lithuanians expect real justice to be effected. For foreign companies, doing business in Lithuania is almost impossible in a situation where business people do not expect rule of law, so, surely Government would be a refuge of competence?
Lithuanian Government has not emerged from Soviet styles. In an attempt to devolve power, Lithuania has created a myriad of fiefdoms of power, each speaking in the name of the Government, each its own centralized power base of ideology.
By Anita Šovaitė-Woronycz
Chepstow, Wales
Chepstow, Wales
Think of a nation in northern Europe whose population is around the 3 million mark a land of song, of rivers, lakes, forests, rolling green hills, beautiful coastline a land where mushrooms grow ready for the picking,
a land with a passion for preserving its ancient language and culture.
Doesn't that sound suspiciously like Lithuania? Ah, but I didn't mention the mountains of Snowdonia, which would give the game away.
I'm talking about Wales, that part of the UK which Lithuanians used to call "Valija", but later named "Velsas" (why?). Wales, the nation which has welcomed two Lithuanian heads of state to its shores - firstly Professor Vytautas Landsbergis, who has paid several visits and, more recently, President Dalia Grybauskaitė who attended the 2014 NATO summit which was held in Newport, South Wales.
Doesn't that sound suspiciously like Lithuania? Ah, but I didn't mention the mountains of Snowdonia, which would give the game away.
I'm talking about Wales, that part of the UK which Lithuanians used to call "Valija", but later named "Velsas" (why?). Wales, the nation which has welcomed two Lithuanian heads of state to its shores - firstly Professor Vytautas Landsbergis, who has paid several visits and, more recently, President Dalia Grybauskaitė who attended the 2014 NATO summit which was held in Newport, South Wales.
ENGLISH VERSION OF THE
AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF VYTAUTAS LANDSBERGIS.
Did you know there is a comment field right after every article we publish? If you read the two above posts, you will see that they both have received many comments. Also YOU are welcome with your comments. To all our articles!
By Antanas Sileika,
Toronto, Canada
Toronto was a major postwar settlement centre for Lithuanian Displaced Persons, and to this day there are two Catholic parishes and one Lutheran one, as well as a Lithuanian House, retirement home, and nursing home. A new wave of immigrants has showed interest in sports.
Although Lithuanian activities have thinned over the decades as that postwar generation died out, the Lithuanian Martyrs' parish hall is crowded with many, many hundreds of visitors who come to the Lithuanian cemetery for All Souls' Day. Similarly, the Franciscan parish has standing room only for Christmas Eve mass.
Although I am firmly embedded in the literary culture of Canada, my themes are usually Lithuanian, and I'll be in Kaunas and Vilnius in mid-November 2015 to give talks about the Lithuanian translations of my novels and short stories, which I write in English.
If you have the Lithuanian language, come by to one of the talks listed in the links below. And if you don't, you can read more about my work at
www.anatanassileika.com
http://www.vdu.lt/lt/rasytojas-antanas-sileika-pristatys-savo-kuryba/ https://leu.lt/lt/lf/lf_naujienos/kvieciame-i-rasytojo-59hc.html
Although Lithuanian activities have thinned over the decades as that postwar generation died out, the Lithuanian Martyrs' parish hall is crowded with many, many hundreds of visitors who come to the Lithuanian cemetery for All Souls' Day. Similarly, the Franciscan parish has standing room only for Christmas Eve mass.
Although I am firmly embedded in the literary culture of Canada, my themes are usually Lithuanian, and I'll be in Kaunas and Vilnius in mid-November 2015 to give talks about the Lithuanian translations of my novels and short stories, which I write in English.
If you have the Lithuanian language, come by to one of the talks listed in the links below. And if you don't, you can read more about my work at
www.anatanassileika.com
http://www.vdu.lt/lt/rasytojas-antanas-sileika-pristatys-savo-kuryba/ https://leu.lt/lt/lf/lf_naujienos/kvieciame-i-rasytojo-59hc.html
Professor Irena Veisaite, Chairwoman of
our Honorary Council, asked us to convey
her heartfelt greetings to the other Council
Members and to all readers of VilNews.
"My love and best wishes to all. As long as VilNews exists, there is hope for the future,"" she writes.
Irena Veisaite means very much for our publication, and we do hereby thank her for the support and wise commitment she always shows.
You can read our interview with her
"My love and best wishes to all. As long as VilNews exists, there is hope for the future,"" she writes.
Irena Veisaite means very much for our publication, and we do hereby thank her for the support and wise commitment she always shows.
You can read our interview with her
Facing a new reality
By Vygaudas Ušackas
EU Ambassador to the Russian Federation
Dear readers of VilNews,
It's great to see this online resource for people interested in Baltic affairs. I congratulate the editors. From my position as EU Ambassador to Russia, allow me to share some observations.
For a number of years, the EU and Russia had assumed the existence of a strategic partnership, based on the convergence of values, economic integration and increasingly open markets and a modernisation agenda for society.
Our agenda was positive and ambitious. We looked at Russia as a country ready to converge with "European values", a country likely to embrace both the basic principles of democratic government and a liberal concept of the world order. It was believed this would bring our relations to a new level, covering the whole spectrum of the EU's strategic relationship with Russia.
For a number of years, the EU and Russia had assumed the existence of a strategic partnership, based on the convergence of values, economic integration and increasingly open markets and a modernisation agenda for society.
Our agenda was positive and ambitious. We looked at Russia as a country ready to converge with "European values", a country likely to embrace both the basic principles of democratic government and a liberal concept of the world order. It was believed this would bring our relations to a new level, covering the whole spectrum of the EU's strategic relationship with Russia.
The likelihood of Putin
invading Lithuania
.jpg "lithuania today")
By Mikhail Iossel
Professor of English at Concordia University, Canada
Founding Director at Summer Literary Seminars
Founding Director at Summer Literary Seminars
The likelihood of Putin's invading Lithuania or fomenting a Donbass-style counterfeit pro-Russian uprising there, at this point, in my strong opinion, is no higher than that of his attacking Portugal, say, or Ecuador. Regardless of whether he might or might not, in principle, be interested in the insane idea of expanding Russia's geographic boundaries to those of the former USSR (and I for one do not believe that has ever been his goal), he knows this would be entirely unfeasible, both in near- and long-term historical perspective, for a variety of reasons. It is not going to happen. There will be no restoration of the Soviet Union as a geopolitical entity.
Are all Lithuanian energy
problems now resolved?
By Dr. Stasys Backaitis,
P.E., CSMP, SAE Fellow Member of Central and Eastern European Coalition, Washington, D.C., USA
Lithuania's Energy Timeline - from total dependence to independence
Lithuania as a country does not have significant energy resources. Energy consuming infrastructure after WWII was small and totally supported by energy imports from Russia.
First nuclear reactor begins power generation at Ignalina in 1983, the second reactor in 1987. Iganlina generates enough electricity to cover Lithuania's needs and about 50%.for export. As, prerequisite for membership in EU, Ignalina ceases all nuclear power generation in 2009
The Klaipėda Sea terminal begins Russia's oil export operations in 1959 and imports in 1994.
Mazeikiu Nafta (current ORLEAN Lietuva) begins operation of oil refinery in 1980.
Lithuania as a country does not have significant energy resources. Energy consuming infrastructure after WWII was small and totally supported by energy imports from Russia.
First nuclear reactor begins power generation at Ignalina in 1983, the second reactor in 1987. Iganlina generates enough electricity to cover Lithuania's needs and about 50%.for export. As, prerequisite for membership in EU, Ignalina ceases all nuclear power generation in 2009
The Klaipėda Sea terminal begins Russia's oil export operations in 1959 and imports in 1994.
Mazeikiu Nafta (current ORLEAN Lietuva) begins operation of oil refinery in 1980.
Have Lithuanian ties across
the Baltic Sea become
stronger in recent years?
By Eitvydas Bajarunas
Ambassador to Sweden
My answer to affirmative "yes". Yes, Lithuanian ties across the Baltic Sea become as never before solid in recent years. For me the biggest achievement of Lithuania in the Baltic Sea region during recent years is boosting Baltic and Nordic ties. And not because of mere accident - Nordic direction was Lithuania's strategic choice.
The two decades that have passed since regaining Lithuania's independence can be described as a "building boom". From the wreckage of a captive Soviet republic, a generation of Lithuanians have built a modern European state, and are now helping construct a Nordic-Baltic community replete with institutions intended to promote political coordination and foster a trans-Baltic regional identity. Indeed, a "Nordic-Baltic community" - I will explain later in my text the meaning of this catch-phrase.
Since the restoration of Lithuania's independence 25 years ago, we have continuously felt a strong support from Nordic countries. Nordics in particular were among the countries supporting Lithuania's and Baltic States' striving towards independence. Take example of Iceland, country which recognized Lithuania in February of 1991, well in advance of other countries. Yet another example - Swedish Ambassador was the first ambassador accredited to Lithuania in 1991. The other countries followed suit. When we restored our statehood, Nordic Countries became champions in promoting Baltic integration into Euro-Atlantic institutions. To large degree thanks Nordic Countries, massive transformations occurred in Lithuania since then, Lithuania became fully-fledged member of the EU and NATO, and we joined the Eurozone on 1 January 2015.
The two decades that have passed since regaining Lithuania's independence can be described as a "building boom". From the wreckage of a captive Soviet republic, a generation of Lithuanians have built a modern European state, and are now helping construct a Nordic-Baltic community replete with institutions intended to promote political coordination and foster a trans-Baltic regional identity. Indeed, a "Nordic-Baltic community" - I will explain later in my text the meaning of this catch-phrase.
Since the restoration of Lithuania's independence 25 years ago, we have continuously felt a strong support from Nordic countries. Nordics in particular were among the countries supporting Lithuania's and Baltic States' striving towards independence. Take example of Iceland, country which recognized Lithuania in February of 1991, well in advance of other countries. Yet another example - Swedish Ambassador was the first ambassador accredited to Lithuania in 1991. The other countries followed suit. When we restored our statehood, Nordic Countries became champions in promoting Baltic integration into Euro-Atlantic institutions. To large degree thanks Nordic Countries, massive transformations occurred in Lithuania since then, Lithuania became fully-fledged member of the EU and NATO, and we joined the Eurozone on 1 January 2015.
By Valdas (Val) Samonis,
PhD, CPC
n his article, Val Samonis takes a comparative policy look at the Lithuanian economy during the period 2000-2015. He argues that the LT policy response (a radical and classical austerity) was wrong and unenlightened because it coincided with strong and continuing deflationary forces in the EU and the global economy which forces were predictable, given the right policy guidance. Also, he makes a point that LT austerity, and the resulting sharp drop in GDP and employment in LT, stimulated emigration of young people (and the related worsening of other demographics) which processes took huge dimensions thereby undercutting even the future enlightened efforts to get out of the middle-income growth trap by LT. Consequently, the country is now on the trajectory (development path) similar to that of a dog that chases its own tail. A strong effort by new generation of policymakers is badly needed to jolt the country out of that wrong trajectory and to offer the chance of escaping the middle-income growth trap via innovations.
Have you heard about the
South African "Pencil Test"?
By Karina Simonson
If you are not South African, then, probably, you
haven't. It is a test performed in South Africa
during the apartheid regime and was used,
together with the other ways, to determine racial
identity, distinguishing whites from coloureds
and blacks. That repressive test was very close
to Nazi implemented ways to separate Jews
from Aryans. Could you now imagine a
Lithuanian mother, performing it on her own
child?
But that is exactly what happened to me when I came back from South Africa. I will tell you how.
But that is exactly what happened to me when I came back from South Africa. I will tell you how.
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