News

U.S. Congress Passes Russian Apology Resolution!
LITHUANIAN AMERICAN COUNCIL'S YEAR-LONG GOAL PASSES BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT

Washington, DC (LAC-JBANC) --- The United States Congress again reminded the Russian Federation that it must face its Soviet lega

cy with respect to the Baltic countries. Legislation seeking an acknowledgement and condemnation by the Russian Federation of the Soviet Union's occupation of the Baltic countries of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania passed on July 22, in the House of Representatives.
The Resolution passed by unanimous consent, meaning that there was no opposition to its passage. House Concurrent Resolution 128 (H. Con. Res. 128) was introduced by Congressman John Shimkus (R-IL) on April 29. The measure had also received the strong support of Rep. Thaddeus McCotter (R-MI), and other members of the House Baltic Caucus.
The complete text of H. Con. Res. 128 will be available on the congressional website http://thomas.loc.gov, along with the floor statement of Congressman Shimkus (see below). JBANC believes that by admitting and condemning the Soviet occupation and annexation of the Baltic countries, the Russian Federation can develop more tolerant relations with its neighbors and chart a more positive course for its own future.

Twenty-nine co-sponsors
There were twenty-nine co-sponsors of H. Con. Res. 128 (House Baltic Caucus members marked by an "*"): Xavier Becerra (CA)*, Howard L. Berman* (CA), Mary Bono* (CA), Christopher Cox* (CA), Danny K. Davis (IL), Lloyd Doggett* (TX), David Dreier* (CA), J.D. Hayworth (AZ), Tim Holden* (PA), Darrell Issa (CA), Jack Kingston (GA), Dennis Kucinich* (OH), Daniel Lipinski (IL), Stephen Lynch (MA), Thaddeus McCotter* (MI), James McGovern* (MA), Grace Napolitano* (CA), Michael Rogers* (MI), Dana Rohrabacher* (CA), Edward R. Royce* (CA), Loretta Sanchez* (CA), Adam B. Schiff* (CA), David Scott (GA), E. Clay Shaw, Jr. (FL), Mark E. Souder (IN), Lee Terry* (NE), Fred Upton* (MI), Henry A. Waxman* (CA), Frank R. Wolf (VA).
Including its sponsor Rep. Shimkus, 20 of the 30 supporters are members of the House Baltic Caucus. The Caucus, co-chaired by Congressmen Shimkus and Kucinich, currently has 70 members. Nearly a third of Caucus members co-sponsored. Support was completely bi-partisan, with 16 Republicans and 14 Democrats. 12 of the 30 supporters are from California, an indication of the excellent activism of the Baltic American Freedom League there. Illinois and Michigan congressional delegations mustered three supporters each. JBANC would also like to recognize the efforts of the Midwest Baltic Coalition and the Baltic-American organizations of Oregon for their great help in getting the legislation introduced.

Senate also passed like Resolution

The Senate already passed its version of the measure (S. Con. Res. 35), on May 19. It was introduced there by Sen. Gordon Smith (R-OR), and co-sponsored by Senators Richard Durbin (D-IL), and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA).

65th anniversary of the U.S. policy of non-recognition of the Soviet occupation of the Baltic

In conjunction with the passage of H. Con. Res. 128, July 23 marks the 65th anniversary of the U.S. policy of non-recognition of the Soviet occupation of the Baltic countries. For over half a century, the U.S. never wavered in its support for the sovereignty of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Undersecretary of State Sumner Welles issued the first U.S. public statement on the Soviet takeover of the Baltics, condemning that act, and recognizing the true nature of the predatory intervention by the USSR upon its neighbors: http://estonia.usembassy.gov/sumnerwelles.php
In addition, the week of July 17-23 marks the 57th anniversary of Captive Nations Week, marking support for peoples that suffered and are still victimized by communism and tyranny. President Bush has issued a proclamation on this occasion: http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2005/07/20050715-12.html

JBANC represents

the Estonian American National Council, Inc., the American Latvian Association, Inc. and the Lithuanian American Council, Inc.
---------
Statement of Congressman John Shimkus (R-IL)
HCR 128: Russian Recognition of Occupation of the Baltics
July 22, 2005

MR. SHIMKUS:  Mr. Speaker, I am here to encourage passage of H.Con.Res. 128, a resolution that I am proud to have sponsored, that calls on Russia to acknowledge the occupation and subsequent suffering of the Baltic people under Soviet control.  I implore my colleagues to support this important resolution.
This resolution comes to the floor in a timely manner.  This week is Captive Nations Week, first declared so by the U.S. Congress on July 17, 1959 as a Joint Resolution against the continuing Communist domination of the Baltic Countries.  President Bush has again declared this week 'Captive Nations Week' and urged Americans "to reaffirm their commitment to all those seeking liberty, justice and self-determination."  I can think of no better way than to honor the memories of those that fought for freedom against Communist control than to pass this resolution. 
During Communist occupation of the Baltics, hundreds of thousands of people were torn from their families and deported to Siberia, many never to be heard from again.  No one can be exactly sure of the amount of those that died or fled Soviet control, but it has been estimated from500,000 to as high as 750,000.  You cannot meet a person in these countries that didn't have a family member or loved one who wasn't affected by these horrible practices.  Russia has been unwavering of its non-recognition of the mass deportations, torture, and murders committed by the Soviet regime.  I feel, along with the 29 cosponsors of this legislation, that Russia needs to acknowledge the mistakes of the past so it can move forward and become a truthful state, and in turn a stronger democracy. 
It is important that the United States join with our allies in the Baltics and stand for Democracy and rights of individuals to be protected everywhere.  Democracy and freedom cannot exist without truth and transparency; I would hope Russia would take a step forward as a nation by acknowledging the past.  I encourage my colleagues to vote in favor of this resolution.

Archives:

Lithuanian American Council's annual convention calls for renewed action and expansion of LAC activities

The LAC annual convention took place November 8-9 at the facilities of its home office in Chicago. The LAC encompasses 17 national organizations and has been active in representing Lithuanian American concerns since 1915. The convention dealt with numerous issues including Lithuania’s admission to NATO, cooperation between Baltic-American communities, the prospects for extending the national structure of LAC, and increasing student participation in its activities. In evidence was a sizeable number of students who also chaired their own panel on student programs. Among future projects that were discussed was the expansion of a national university network under LAC auspices. Representatives of the Latvian and Estonian communities also addressed the convention delegates as did the presidents of the Knights of Lithuania and its Foundation.

LAC vice-president cited in Chicago Tribune on NATO enlargement--addresses Latvian independence gathering

Pranas Jurkus, LAC vice president was quoted in the Sunday editon of the Chicago Tribune on the recent invite of Lithuania , Latvia and Estonia to NATO membership. He noted that the invitation is only the beginning process which will only be completed upon ratification of all 19 member countries. The United States Senate needs to cast at least 67 votes in favor of NATO enlargement. He was quoted at the annual Latvian Independence commemoration which he addressed in both English and Latvian.

Congress Passes NATO resolutions: both Shimkus and Gallegly Resolutions pass in solid Congressional approval for NATO enlargement

The House of Representatives on Monday (October 7, 2002) evening passed two major resoltions: The Shimkus resolution (HCR116) calling specifically for Lithuanian's, Latvia's and Estonia's invitation to NATO which passed by a voice vote. While Congressman Gallegly 's resolution (H.Res.468) calling for Nato expansion generally passed overwhelmingly.

Luncheon with Professor Vytautas Landsbergis shows U.S. support for Lithuania

The Lithuanian American Council held a luncheon honoring Professor Vytautas Landsbergis at the Chicago Athletic Association on Wednesday, October 2, 2002. A number of U.S. government officials and international political group leaders gathered to lunch with Lithuania's past president.

Chicago's Lithuanians Commemorate Independence:
Voice Support for War on Terrorism and Support NATO Enlargement

Chicago Lithuanian Americans commemorated Lithuanian Independence Day on Sunday, February 16. A special convocation will be held at Maria High School auditorium (6727 S. California) at 2:00 p.m. [Full story]

Chicago Tribune Publishes LAC Letter Urging NATO Enlargement

The Chicago Tribune on Jan 22nd published a letter by LAC president Saulius V. Kuprys calling for continued U.S. efforts to enlarge NATO and particularly to include the Baltic States in such expansion. [Full text of the letter]

Lithuanian Flag raised in Downtown Chicago

To commemorate Lithuanian Independence Day the Mayor's office of the city of Chicago has autorized the raising of the Lithuanian flag at the Daley Center Plaza. [Full story]

6500 South Pulaski Road Suite 200
Chicago, IL 60629
Telephone: (773) 735-6677,
Fax: (773) 735-3946,
Email: AltCenter@aol.com

News

U.S. Congress Passes Russian Apology Resolution!
LITHUANIAN AMERICAN COUNCIL'S YEAR-LONG GOAL PASSES BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT

Washington, DC (LAC-JBANC) --- The United States Congress again reminded the Russian Federation that it must face its Soviet lega

cy with respect to the Baltic countries. Legislation seeking an acknowledgement and condemnation by the Russian Federation of the Soviet Union's occupation of the Baltic countries of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania passed on July 22, in the House of Representatives.
The Resolution passed by unanimous consent, meaning that there was no opposition to its passage. House Concurrent Resolution 128 (H. Con. Res. 128) was introduced by Congressman John Shimkus (R-IL) on April 29. The measure had also received the strong support of Rep. Thaddeus McCotter (R-MI), and other members of the House Baltic Caucus.
The complete text of H. Con. Res. 128 will be available on the congressional website http://thomas.loc.gov, along with the floor statement of Congressman Shimkus (see below). JBANC believes that by admitting and condemning the Soviet occupation and annexation of the Baltic countries, the Russian Federation can develop more tolerant relations with its neighbors and chart a more positive course for its own future.

Twenty-nine co-sponsors
There were twenty-nine co-sponsors of H. Con. Res. 128 (House Baltic Caucus members marked by an "*"): Xavier Becerra (CA)*, Howard L. Berman* (CA), Mary Bono* (CA), Christopher Cox* (CA), Danny K. Davis (IL), Lloyd Doggett* (TX), David Dreier* (CA), J.D. Hayworth (AZ), Tim Holden* (PA), Darrell Issa (CA), Jack Kingston (GA), Dennis Kucinich* (OH), Daniel Lipinski (IL), Stephen Lynch (MA), Thaddeus McCotter* (MI), James McGovern* (MA), Grace Napolitano* (CA), Michael Rogers* (MI), Dana Rohrabacher* (CA), Edward R. Royce* (CA), Loretta Sanchez* (CA), Adam B. Schiff* (CA), David Scott (GA), E. Clay Shaw, Jr. (FL), Mark E. Souder (IN), Lee Terry* (NE), Fred Upton* (MI), Henry A. Waxman* (CA), Frank R. Wolf (VA).
Including its sponsor Rep. Shimkus, 20 of the 30 supporters are members of the House Baltic Caucus. The Caucus, co-chaired by Congressmen Shimkus and Kucinich, currently has 70 members. Nearly a third of Caucus members co-sponsored. Support was completely bi-partisan, with 16 Republicans and 14 Democrats. 12 of the 30 supporters are from California, an indication of the excellent activism of the Baltic American Freedom League there. Illinois and Michigan congressional delegations mustered three supporters each. JBANC would also like to recognize the efforts of the Midwest Baltic Coalition and the Baltic-American organizations of Oregon for their great help in getting the legislation introduced.

Senate also passed like Resolution

The Senate already passed its version of the measure (S. Con. Res. 35), on May 19. It was introduced there by Sen. Gordon Smith (R-OR), and co-sponsored by Senators Richard Durbin (D-IL), and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA).

65th anniversary of the U.S. policy of non-recognition of the Soviet occupation of the Baltic

In conjunction with the passage of H. Con. Res. 128, July 23 marks the 65th anniversary of the U.S. policy of non-recognition of the Soviet occupation of the Baltic countries. For over half a century, the U.S. never wavered in its support for the sovereignty of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Undersecretary of State Sumner Welles issued the first U.S. public statement on the Soviet takeover of the Baltics, condemning that act, and recognizing the true nature of the predatory intervention by the USSR upon its neighbors: http://estonia.usembassy.gov/sumnerwelles.php
In addition, the week of July 17-23 marks the 57th anniversary of Captive Nations Week, marking support for peoples that suffered and are still victimized by communism and tyranny. President Bush has issued a proclamation on this occasion: http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2005/07/20050715-12.html

JBANC represents

the Estonian American National Council, Inc., the American Latvian Association, Inc. and the Lithuanian American Council, Inc.
---------
Statement of Congressman John Shimkus (R-IL)
HCR 128: Russian Recognition of Occupation of the Baltics
July 22, 2005

MR. SHIMKUS:  Mr. Speaker, I am here to encourage passage of H.Con.Res. 128, a resolution that I am proud to have sponsored, that calls on Russia to acknowledge the occupation and subsequent suffering of the Baltic people under Soviet control.  I implore my colleagues to support this important resolution.
This resolution comes to the floor in a timely manner.  This week is Captive Nations Week, first declared so by the U.S. Congress on July 17, 1959 as a Joint Resolution against the continuing Communist domination of the Baltic Countries.  President Bush has again declared this week 'Captive Nations Week' and urged Americans "to reaffirm their commitment to all those seeking liberty, justice and self-determination."  I can think of no better way than to honor the memories of those that fought for freedom against Communist control than to pass this resolution. 
During Communist occupation of the Baltics, hundreds of thousands of people were torn from their families and deported to Siberia, many never to be heard from again.  No one can be exactly sure of the amount of those that died or fled Soviet control, but it has been estimated from500,000 to as high as 750,000.  You cannot meet a person in these countries that didn't have a family member or loved one who wasn't affected by these horrible practices.  Russia has been unwavering of its non-recognition of the mass deportations, torture, and murders committed by the Soviet regime.  I feel, along with the 29 cosponsors of this legislation, that Russia needs to acknowledge the mistakes of the past so it can move forward and become a truthful state, and in turn a stronger democracy. 
It is important that the United States join with our allies in the Baltics and stand for Democracy and rights of individuals to be protected everywhere.  Democracy and freedom cannot exist without truth and transparency; I would hope Russia would take a step forward as a nation by acknowledging the past.  I encourage my colleagues to vote in favor of this resolution.

Archives:

Lithuanian American Council's annual convention calls for renewed action and expansion of LAC activities

The LAC annual convention took place November 8-9 at the facilities of its home office in Chicago. The LAC encompasses 17 national organizations and has been active in representing Lithuanian American concerns since 1915. The convention dealt with numerous issues including Lithuania’s admission to NATO, cooperation between Baltic-American communities, the prospects for extending the national structure of LAC, and increasing student participation in its activities. In evidence was a sizeable number of students who also chaired their own panel on student programs. Among future projects that were discussed was the expansion of a national university network under LAC auspices. Representatives of the Latvian and Estonian communities also addressed the convention delegates as did the presidents of the Knights of Lithuania and its Foundation.

LAC vice-president cited in Chicago Tribune on NATO enlargement--addresses Latvian independence gathering

Pranas Jurkus, LAC vice president was quoted in the Sunday editon of the Chicago Tribune on the recent invite of Lithuania , Latvia and Estonia to NATO membership. He noted that the invitation is only the beginning process which will only be completed upon ratification of all 19 member countries. The United States Senate needs to cast at least 67 votes in favor of NATO enlargement. He was quoted at the annual Latvian Independence commemoration which he addressed in both English and Latvian.

Congress Passes NATO resolutions: both Shimkus and Gallegly Resolutions pass in solid Congressional approval for NATO enlargement

The House of Representatives on Monday (October 7, 2002) evening passed two major resoltions: The Shimkus resolution (HCR116) calling specifically for Lithuanian's, Latvia's and Estonia's invitation to NATO which passed by a voice vote. While Congressman Gallegly 's resolution (H.Res.468) calling for Nato expansion generally passed overwhelmingly.

Luncheon with Professor Vytautas Landsbergis shows U.S. support for Lithuania

The Lithuanian American Council held a luncheon honoring Professor Vytautas Landsbergis at the Chicago Athletic Association on Wednesday, October 2, 2002. A number of U.S. government officials and international political group leaders gathered to lunch with Lithuania's past president.

Chicago's Lithuanians Commemorate Independence:
Voice Support for War on Terrorism and Support NATO Enlargement

Chicago Lithuanian Americans commemorated Lithuanian Independence Day on Sunday, February 16. A special convocation will be held at Maria High School auditorium (6727 S. California) at 2:00 p.m. [Full story]

Chicago Tribune Publishes LAC Letter Urging NATO Enlargement

The Chicago Tribune on Jan 22nd published a letter by LAC president Saulius V. Kuprys calling for continued U.S. efforts to enlarge NATO and particularly to include the Baltic States in such expansion. [Full text of the letter]

Lithuanian Flag raised in Downtown Chicago

To commemorate Lithuanian Independence Day the Mayor's office of the city of Chicago has autorized the raising of the Lithuanian flag at the Daley Center Plaza. [Full story]

6500 South Pulaski Road Suite 200
Chicago, IL 60629
Telephone: (773) 735-6677,
Fax: (773) 735-3946,
Email: AltCenter@aol.com

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