Lech Kaczyński participated in the commemoration of the 91st anniversary of Lithuania’s Declaration of...
On Monday, Lech Kaczyński, at the invitation of the President of Lithuania, Valdas Adamkus, visited Vilnius where he participated in the commemoration of the 91st anniversary of Lithuania’s Declaration of Independence. This visit is the third time Lech Kaczyński participates in the celebration of Lithuanian Independence.
The President, together with his wife, arrived in Vilnius before noon. After being greeted at the President Square, Lech Kaczyński took part in the Holy Mass in Vilnius Cathedral.
That afternoon, in the Polish embassy in Vilnius, the Polish President met with representatives of the Polish community in Lithuania. The discussions concerned, among other things, the Polish Charter and the spelling of Polish surnames. The President stressed that finding a solution to these problems is “important for strengthening the alliance that is beneficial for both Lithuania and Poland.” He also remarked that the Polish Charter “does not endanger loyalty towards Lithuania."
The Act concerning the Polish Charter became effective on 29 March 2008. The Charter introduces facilities and privileges for Polish people residing in the East where it is impossible to have dual citizenship. It makes it easier to receive a refund for the Schengen visa, to get scholarships, as well as to work or pursue business activity in Poland. It also grants access to Polish schools and universities,
Subsequently, Lech Kaczyński participated in the celebrations of Lithuania’s Independence in the Lithuanian National Opera. The Polish President congratulated the people of Lithuania on the 91st anniversary of their country being reborn.
On 16 February 1918, the National Council of Lithuania (Taryba) declared its independence and the rise of Independent Lithuania. In Lithuania, this day is now celebrated as their Independence Day. On the basis of an Act by the Supreme Soviet of the USSR dated 3 August 1940, Lithuania was included into the USSR as the Lithuanian Soviet Socialist Republic.
On 11 January 1990, the Supreme Council of the Republic of Lithuania proclaimed the Act “On the Independence of Lithuania.” This independence was, in August 1991, acknowledged by most countries of the world and, in September of the same year, also by the USSR. (PAP, own information)