Statement in response to the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities
1270th OSCE Permanent Council meeting June 4, 2020, Vienna Statement in response to the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Delivered by Lithuanian Permanent Representative to the International Organizations in Vienna Aurimas Taurantas Lithuania fully aligns itself with the statement delivered on behalf of the EU, yet allow me to take this opportunity and add some remarks in my national capacity. It is my pleasure to join the previous speakers in warmly welcoming the High Commissioner Ambassador Lamberto Zannier, to the Permanent Council and thank him for his comprehensive report. The role of the High Commissioner on National Minorities in identifying, de-politicizing and addressing causes of ethnic tensions, as well as in the process of integration of persons belonging to national minorities, is of the utmost importance. To this end, we would like to reiterate our appreciation for the High Commissioner's valuable contribution at the international conference “Dealing with the trauma of an undigested past” held in Vilnius, from 5 to 6 March 2020. It was the first event of that kind in Lithuania, where politicians, historians, practitioners and scientists from America, Asia and Europe gathered together to discuss about the sources and consequences of collective traumas in different parts of Europe and the world, as well as the ways to overcome them. The Declaration adopted by the Conference participants emphasized that historical traumas influence how societies view themselves and what their domestic and international policies are. The recognition of traumas, acknowledgement of their impact and work on dealing with them leads societies towards recovery and reconciliation and – consequently – towards the prevention of potential conflicts. In addition, we would like to thank you, Ambassador Zannier, for your positive remarks with regard to your visit in Lithuania and the recommendations provided. Let me also thank you for noting the Grūtas Park as a positive example of preservation of a potentially controversial historical legacy. We welcome your attention to this issue and look forward to further efforts in exploring this sensitive area while taking aside politicized and manipulative narratives and in cooperation with competent experts and other international organizations. Mr. Chairman, in this context, it is not my intention to respond to the open disinformation concerning my country presented by distinguished Russian ambassador. He has already heard our point of view many times – both on Lithuanian policies of national minorities’ education and our painful post-war history. I would just remark that he is always mixing the atrocities made by the soviet occupational forces with our legitimate fight against occupation and brutalities. In closing, let me reiterate Lithuania’s full support to the HCNM’s mandate and our gratitude to you, Ambassador Zannier, and your able team for your efforts and to wish you all the best for the continuation of your important work.
1270th OSCE Permanent Council meeting
June 4, 2020, Vienna
Statement in response to the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities
Delivered by Lithuanian Permanent Representative to the International Organizations in Vienna Aurimas Taurantas
Lithuania fully aligns itself with the statement delivered on behalf of the EU, yet allow me to take this opportunity and add some remarks in my national capacity.
It is my pleasure to join the previous speakers in warmly welcoming the High Commissioner Ambassador Lamberto Zannier, to the Permanent Council and thank him for his comprehensive report.
The role of the High Commissioner on National Minorities in identifying, de-politicizing and addressing causes of ethnic tensions, as well as in the process of integration of persons belonging to national minorities, is of the utmost importance. To this end, we would like to reiterate our appreciation for the High Commissioner's valuable contribution at the international conference “Dealing with the trauma of an undigested past” held in Vilnius, from 5 to 6 March 2020. It was the first event of that kind in Lithuania, where politicians, historians, practitioners and scientists from America, Asia and Europe gathered together to discuss about the sources and consequences of collective traumas in different parts of Europe and the world, as well as the ways to overcome them.
The Declaration adopted by the Conference participants emphasized that historical traumas influence how societies view themselves and what their domestic and international policies are. The recognition of traumas, acknowledgement of their impact and work on dealing with them leads societies towards recovery and reconciliation and – consequently – towards the prevention of potential conflicts.
In addition, we would like to thank you, Ambassador Zannier, for your positive remarks with regard to your visit in Lithuania and the recommendations provided. Let me also thank you for noting the Grūtas Park as a positive example of preservation of a potentially controversial historical legacy. We welcome your attention to this issue and look forward to further efforts in exploring this sensitive area while taking aside politicized and manipulative narratives and in cooperation with competent experts and other international organizations.
Mr. Chairman, in this context, it is not my intention to respond to the open disinformation concerning my country presented by distinguished Russian ambassador. He has already heard our point of view many times – both on Lithuanian policies of national minorities’ education and our painful post-war history. I would just remark that he is always mixing the atrocities made by the soviet occupational forces with our legitimate fight against occupation and brutalities.
In closing, let me reiterate Lithuania’s full support to the HCNM’s mandate and our gratitude to you, Ambassador Zannier, and your able team for your efforts and to wish you all the best for the continuation of your important work.
