2003.01.23

Vilnius, January 23rd. President Valdas Adamkus of the Republic of Lithuania received today Rabbi Andrew Baker, Director of International Jewish Affairs of the American Jewish Committee (AJC).

Rabbi Andrew Baker thanked President Adamkus for co-operation in dealing with issues relating to the Jewish community life.

The International Commission for the Evaluation of the Crimes of the Nazi and Soviet Occupation Regimes in Lithuania set up by the Decree of President Adamkus in 1998 was a big step forward as the Commission contributed substantially to raising awareness of the Holocaust and to the restoration of historical justice in Lithuania, the AJC Director of International Jewish Affairs said.

The Lithuanian President expressed his belief that the country’s public authorities and non-governmental organisations would further co-operate constructively with the Lithuanian Jewish community and international organisations in dealing with topical issues concerning the Jews.

The participants of the meeting have also discussed raising international awareness of the Jewish historical heritage in Vilnius and other Central European cities, for example, Krakow and Prague that could become attractive destinations for foreign tourist, scientists, artists and young people interested in former centres of the Jewish culture.

Press Service of the President