LITHUANIA
Compiled from the December 2004 Background Note and supplemented with additional information from the State Department and the editors of this volume. See the introduction to this set for explanatory notes.
Official Name:
Republic of Lithuania
PROFILE
Geography
Area: 65,200 sq. km. (26,080 sq. mi.); about the size of West Virginia.
Cities: Capital—Vilnius (pop. 553,373); Kaunas (376,575); Klaipeda (192,498); Siauliai (133,528); Panevezys (119,417).
Terrain: Lithuania's fertile, central lowland plains are separated by hilly uplands created by glacial drift. A total of 758 rivers, many are navigable, and 2,833 lakes cover the landscape. The coastline is 90 km. (56 mi.) long. Land use—53% arable land, 30% forest and woodland, 4% water, 13% other.
Climate: With four distinct seasons, the climate is humid continental, with a moderating maritime influence from the Baltic Sea. January temperatures average −5ºC (23ºF); July, 17ºC (63ºF). Annual precipitation averages 62 centimeters (24.4 in.).
People
Nationality: Noun and adjective—Lithuanian(s).
Population: 3.476 million.
Growth rate: −2.5%. Birth rate—9.1/1,000. Death rate—11.6/1,000.
Ethnic groups: Lithuanian 83.5%, Poles 6.7%, Russians 6.3%, Belarusians 1.2%, Ukrainians 0.7% Jews 0.1% others 1.5%.
Religions: Catholic (70%), Orthodox (3%), Protestant (1%), Old Believers (0.8%), Jewish (0.1%).
Language: Lithuanian. A minority speaks Russian and Polish.
Education: Years compulsory—9. Literacy—99%.
Health: Infant mortality rate—7.8/1,000. Life expectancy—66 yrs. male, 77 yrs. female.
Work force: (2002, second quarter) 1.73 million: Manufacturing industry 18.3%; agriculture 17.1%; wholesale and retail trade 15.5%; construction 6.3%; transport 6.3%; public administration and defense 5.1%.
Government
Type: Parliamentary democracy.
Constitution: On October 25, 1992 Lithuanians ratified a new constitution, which officially was signed on November 6 that year.
Branches: Executive—popularly elected president (chief of state); prime minister (head of government). Legislative—Seimas (parliament—141 members, 4-year term). Judicial—Constitutional Court, Supreme Court, and Highest Administrative Court.
Administrative subdivisions: 10 counties and 60 municipalities.
Political parties: Labor Party—39 seats, Conservative Party—25 seats, Social Democratic Party—20 seats, Liberal and Center Union—18 seats, New Union—11 seats, Liberal Democratic Party—10 seats, Union of Peasant and New Democracy Parties—10 seats, Independent—6 seats, Polish Electoral Action—2 seats.
Suffrage: 18 years, universal.
General government budget: (2002) $4.8 billion (exchange rate at the end of 2002—3.4 Lt=__BODY__).
Economy
GDP: (2002) $14.9 billion.
Annual 2002 GDP growth: 6.7%.
GDP per capita: $4,296. Deflation: (2002) 1%.
Unemployment: (2002) 10.9%.
Major sectors of the economy: Manufacturing 19.4%, wholesale and retail trade 18%, transport and storage 9.2%.
Trade: Exports—$5.9 billion: mineral products 19.0%, textiles and textile articles 15.0%; agricultural and food products 10.8%; transport equipment 15.9%; machinery and mechanical appliances 9.9%; wood and paper products 6.7%. Major export partners—Great Britain 13.5%, Russia 12.1%, Germany 12.1%, Latvia 9.6%, Poland 3.6%. Imports—$8.3 billion: intermediate goods 55.9%, investment goods 18.6%, final consumption goods 17.5%, passenger cars 7.2%. Major partners—Russia 20.2%, Germany 19%, Poland 6.4%, Denmark 4%.
GEOGRAPHY
The largest and most populous of the Baltic states, Lithuania is a generally maritime country with 60 miles of sandy coastline, of which only 24 miles face the open Baltic Sea. Lithuania's major warm-water port of Klaipeda lies at the narrow mouth of Kursiu Gulf, a shallow lagoon extending south to Kaliningrad. The Nemunas River and some of its tributaries are used for internal shipping (In 2000, 89 inland ships carried 900,000 tons of cargo, which is less than 1% of the total goods traffic). Between 56.27 and 53.53 latitude and 20.56 and 26.50 longitude, Lithuania is glacially flat, except for morainic hills in the western uplands and eastern highlands no higher than 300 meters. The terrain is marked by numerous small lakes and swamps, and a mixed forest zone covers 30% of the country.
The growing season lasts 169 days in the east and 202 days in the west, with most farmland consisting of sandy- or clay-loam soils. Limestone, clay, sand, and gravel are Lithuania's primary natural resources, but the coastal shelf offers perhaps 10 million barrels' worth of oil deposits, and the southeast could provide high yields of iron ore and granite. According to some geographers, Lithuania's capital, Vilnius, lies at the geographical center of Europe.
PEOPLE
The earliest evidence of inhabitants in present-day Lithuania dates back to 10,000 BC. Between 3,000-2,000 BC, the cord-ware culture people spread over a vast region of eastern Europe, between the Baltic Sea and the Vistula River in the west and the Moscow-Kursk line in the east. Merging with the indigenous population, they gave rise to the Balts, a distinct Indo-European ethnic group whose descendants are the present-day Lithuanian and Latvian nations and the now extinct Prussians. The name "Lietuva", or Lithuania, might be derived from the word "lietava," for a small river, or "lietus," meaning rain (or land of rain).
Lithuanians are neither Slavic nor Germanic, although the union with Poland and Germanic and Russian colonization and settlement left cultural and religious influences. This highly literate society places strong emphasis upon education, which is free and compulsory until age 16. Most Lithuanians and ethnic Poles belong to the Roman Catholic Church; Orthodoxy is the largest non-Catholic denomination.
Enduring several border changes, Soviet deportations, a massacre of its Jewish population, and German and Polish repatriations during and after WWII, Lithuania has maintained a fairly stable percentage of ethnic Lithuanians (from 79.3% in 1959 to 83.5% in 2002). Lithuania's citizenship law and constitution meet international and OSCE [Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe] standards, guaranteeing universal human and civil rights.
The Lithuanian language still retains the original sound system and morphological peculiarities of the prototypal Indo-European tongue and therefore is fascinating for linguistic study. Between 400-600 AD, the Lithuanian and Latvian languages split from the Eastern Baltic (Prussian) language group, which subsequently became extinct. The first known written Lithuanian text dates from a hymnal translation in 1545. Written with the Latin alphabet, Lithuanian has been the official language of Lithuania again since 1989. The Soviet era had imposed the official use of Russian, so most Lithuanians speak Russian as a second language while the resident Slavic populace generally speaks Russian or Polish as a first language.
HISTORY
The first written mention of Lithuania occurs in 1009 AD, although many centuries earlier the Roman historian Tacitus referred to the Lithuanians as excellent farmers. Spurred by the expansion into the Baltic lands of the Germanic monastic military orders (the Order of the Knights of the Sword and the Teutonic Order) Duke Mindaugas united the lands inhabited by the Lithuanians, the Samogitians, Yotvingians, and Couranians into the Grand Duchy of Lithuania (GDL) in the 1230s-40s. In 1251 Mindaugas adopted Catholicism and was crowned King of Lithuania on July 6, 1253; a decade later, civil war erupted upon his assassination until a ruler named Vytenis defeated the Teutonic Knights and restored order.
From 1316 to 1341 Vytenis' brother and successor, Grand Duke Gediminas, expanded the empire as far as Kiev against the Tatars and Russians. He twice attempted to adopt Christianity in order to end the GDL's political and cultural isolation from western Europe. To that purpose, he invited knights, merchants, and artisans to settle in Lithuania and wrote letters to Pope John XXII and European cities maintaining that the Teutonic Order's purpose was to conquer lands rather than spread Christianity. Gediminas' dynasty ruled the GDL until 1572. In the 1300s through the early 1400s, the Lithuanian state expanded eastward. During the rule of Grand Duke Algirdas (1345-77), Lithuania almost doubled in size. The 1385 Kreva Union signed by the Grand Duke of Lithuania Jogaila (ruled in 1377-81 and 1382-92) and the Queen of Poland Jadwyga intensified Lithuania's economic and cultural development, orienting it toward the West.
Lithuania's independence under the union with Poland was restored by Grand Duke Vytautas. During his rule (1392-1430) the GDL turned into one of the largest states in Europe, encompassing present-day Belarus, most of Ukraine, and the Smolensk region of western Russia. Led by Jogaila and Vytautas, the united Polish-Lithuanian army defeated the Teutonic Order in the Battle of Tannenberg (Grunewald or Zalgiris) in 1410, terminating the medieval Germanic drive eastward.
The 16th century witnessed a number of wars against the growing Russian state over the Slavic lands ruled by the GDL. Coupled with the need
for an ally in those wars, the wish of the middle and petty gentry to obtain more rights already granted to the Polish feudal lords drew Lithuania closer to Poland. The Union of Lublin in 1569 united Poland and Lithuania into a commonwealth in which the highest power belonged to the Sejm of the nobility and its elected King who also was the Grand Duke of Lithuania. Mid-16th century land reform strengthened serfdom and yet promoted the development of agriculture owing to the introduction of a regular three-field rotation system.
The 16th century saw a more rapid development of agriculture, growth of towns, spread of ideas of humanism and the Reformation, and book printing. The emergence of Vilnius University in 1579 and the Lithuanian Codes of Law (the Statutes of Lithuania) stimulated the development of culture both in Lithuania and in neighboring countries.
The Polish-Lithuanian Republic was weakened by the rising domination of the big magnates, and the 16th-18th-century wars against Russia and Sweden over Livonia, Ukraine, and Byelorussia. The end of the 18th century witnessed three divisions of the Commonwealth by Russia, Prussia, and Austria; in 1795 most of Lithuania became part of the Russian empire. Attempts to restore independence in the uprisings of 1794, 1830-31, and 1863 were suppressed and followed by a tightened police regime, increasing Russification, the closure of Vilnius University in 1832, and the 1864 ban on the printing of Lithuanian books in traditional Latin characters.
Because of his proclamation of liberation and self-rule, many Lithuanians gratefully volunteered for the French Army when Napoleon occupied Kaunas in 1812 during the fateful invasion of Russia. After the war, Russia imposed extra taxes on Catholic landowners and enserfed an increasing number of peasants. A market economy slowly developed with the abolition of serfdom in 1861. Lithuanian farmers grew stronger, and an increase in the number of intellectuals of peasant origin led to the growth of a Lithuanian national movement. In German-ruled East Prussia, also called Lithuania Minor, Königsberg or Kaliningrad, Lithuanian publications were printed in large numbers and then smuggled into Russianruled Lithuania. The most outstanding leaders of the national liberation movement were J. Basanavicius and V. Kudirka. The ban on the Lithuanian press finally was lifted in 1904.
During WW I, the German Army occupied Lithuania in 1915, and the occupation administration allowed a Lithuanian conference to convene in Vilnius in September 1917. The conference adopted a resolution demanding the restoration of an independent Lithuanian state and elected the Lithuanian Council, a standing body chaired by Antanas Smetona. On February 16, 1918, the council declared Lithuania's independence. The years 1919-20 witnessed Lithuania's War for Independence against three factions—the Red Army, which in 1919 controlled territory ruled by a Bolshevist government headed by V. Kapsukas; the Polish Army; and the Bermondt Army, composed of Russian and German troops under the command of the Germans. Lithuania failed to regain the Polish-occupied Vilnius region.
In the Moscow Treaty of July 12, 1920, Russia recognized Lithuanian independence and renounced all previous claims to it. The Seimas (parliament) of Lithuania adopted a constitution on August 1, 1922, declaring Lithuania a parliamentary republic, and in 1923 Lithuania annexed the Klaipeda region, the northern part of Lithuania Minor. By then, most countries had recognized Lithuanian independence. After a military coup on December 17, 1926, Nationalist Party leader Antanas Smetona became president and gradually introduced an authoritarian regime.
Lithuania's borders posed its major foreign policy problem. Poland's occupation (1920) and annexation (1922) of the Vilnius region strained bilateral relations, and in March 1939 Germany forced Lithuania to surrender the Klaipeda region. Radical land reform in 1922 considerably reduced the number of estates, promoted the growth of small and middle farms, and boosted agricultural production and exports, especially livestock. In particular, light industry and agriculture successfully adjusted to the new market situation and developed new structures.
The inter-war period gave birth to a comprehensive system of education with Lithuanian as the language of instruction and the development of the press, literature, music, arts, and theater. On August 23, 1939, the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact pulled Lithuania first into the German sphere of influence and then brought Lithuania under Soviet domination following the Soviet-German agreement of September 28, 1939. Soviet pressure and a complicated international situation forced Lithuania to sign an agreement with the U.S.S.R. on October 10, 1939, by which Lithuania was given back the city of Vilnius and the part of Vilnius region seized by the Red Army during the Soviet-Polish war. In return, some 20,000 Soviet soldiers were deployed in Lithuania.
On June 14, 1940, the Soviet Government issued an ultimatum to Lithuania, demanding the formation of a new Lithuanian government and permission to station additional Red Army troops. Lithuania succumbed to the Soviet demand, and 100,000 Soviet troops moved into the country the next day. Arriving in Kaunas, the Soviet Government's special envoy began implementing the plan for Lithuania's incorporation into the U.S.S.R. On June 17 the alleged people's government, headed by J. Paleckis, was formed. Rump parliamentary elections were held a month later, and Lithuania was proclaimed a Soviet Socialist Republic on August 3. Totalitarian rule was established, Sovietization of the economy and culture began, and Lithuanian state employees and public figures were arrested and exiled to Russia. During the mass deportation campaign of June 14-18, 1941, about 7,439 families (12,600 people) were deported to Siberia without investigation or trial; 3,600 people were imprisoned, and more than 1,000 massacred.
A Lithuanian revolt against the U.S.S.R. quickly followed the outbreak of the war against Germany in 1941. The rebels declared the restoration of Lithuania's independence and actively operated a provisional government, without German recognition, from June 24 to August 5. Lithuania became part of the German occupational administrative unit of Ostland. People were repressed and taken to forced labor camps in Germany. The Nazis and local collaborators deprived Lithuanian Jews of their civil rights and massacred about 200,000 of them. Together with Soviet partisans, supporters of independence put up a resistance movement to deflect Nazi recruitment of Lithuanians to the German Army.
The Red Army forced the Germans out of Lithuania in 1944 and reestablished control. Sovietization continued with the arrival of communist party leaders to create a local party administration. The mass deportation campaigns of 1941-52 exiled 29,923 families to Siberia and other remote parts of the Soviet Union. Official statistics state that more than 120,000 people were deported from Lithuania during this period, while some sources estimate the number of political prisoners and deportees at 300,000. In response to these events, an estimated several tens of thousands of resistance fighters participated in unsuccessful guerilla warfare against the Soviet regime from 1944-53. Soviet authorities encouraged immigration of other Soviet workers, especially Russians, as a way of integrating Lithuania into the Soviet Union and of fomenting industrial development.
Until mid-1988, all political, economic, and cultural life was controlled by the Lithuanian Communist Party (LCP). The political and economic crisis that began in the U.S.S.R. in the mid-1980s also affected Lithuania, and Lithuanians as well as other Balts offered active support to Gorbachev's program of social and political reforms. Under the leadership of intellectuals, the Lithuanian reform movement "Sajudis" was formed in mid-1988 and declared a program of democratic and national rights, winning nationwide popularity. Inspired by Sajudis, the Lithuanian Supreme Soviet passed constitutional amendments on the supremacy of Lithuanian laws over Soviet legislation, annulled the 1940 decisions on proclaiming Lithuania a part of the U.S.S.R., legalized a multi-party system, and adopted a number of other important decisions. A large number of LCP members also supported the ideas of Sajudis, and with Sajudis support, Algirdas Brazauskas was elected First Secretary of the Central Committee of the LCP in 1988. In December 1989, the Brazauskas-led LCP split from the CPSU and became an independent party, renaming itself in 1990 the Lithuanian Democratic Labor Party.
In 1990, Sajudis-backed candidates won the elections to the Lithuanian Supreme Soviet. On March 11, 1990, its chairman Vytautas Landsbergis proclaimed the restoration of Lithuanian independence, formed a new Cabinet of Ministers headed by Kazimiera Prunskiene, and adopted the Provisional Fundamental Law of the state and a number of by-laws. The U.S.S.R. demanded revocation of the act and began employing political and economic sanctions against Lithuania as well as demonstrating military force. On January 10, 1991, U.S.S.R. authorities seized the central publishing house and other premises in Vilnius and unsuccessfully attempted to overthrow the elected government by sponsoring a local "National Salvation Committee." Three days later the Soviets forcibly took over the TV tower, killing 14 civilians and injuring 700. During the national plebiscite in February more than 90% of those who took part in the voting (76% of all eligible voters) voted in favor of an independent, democratic Lithuania. Led by the tenacious Landsbergis, Lithuania's leadership continued to seek Western diplomatic recognition of its independence. Soviet military-security forces continued forced conscription, occasional seizure of buildings, attacking customs posts, and sometimes killing customs and police officials.
During the August 19 coup against Gorbachev, Soviet military troops took over several communications and other government facilities in Vilnius and other cities but returned to their barracks when the coup failed. The Lithuanian Government banned the Communist Party and ordered confiscation of its property.
Despite Lithuania's achievement of complete independence, sizable numbers of Russian forces remained on its territory. Withdrawal of those forces was one of Lithuania's top foreign policy priorities. Lithuania and Russia signed an agreement on September 8, 1992, calling for Russian troop withdrawals by August 31, 1993, which took place on time.
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICAL CONDITIONS
Lithuania is a multi-party, parliamentary democracy. The president, who is elected directly for 5 years, is head of state and commander in chief overseeing foreign and security policy. The president nominates the prime minister and his cabinet and a number of other top civil servants.
The parliament (Seimas) has 141 members that are elected for a 4-year term. About half of the members are elected in single constituencies (71), and the other half (70) are elected in the nationwide vote by party lists. A party must receive at least 5% of the national vote to be represented in the Seimas. The last parliamentary elections took place in October 2000.
Since 1991, Lithuanian voters have shifted from right to left and back again, swinging between the Conservatives, led by Vytautas Landsbergis (now headed by Andrius Kubilius), and the Labor (former communist) Party, led by former president Algirdas Brazauskas. This pattern was broken in the October 2000 elections when the Liberal Union and New Union parties won the most votes and were able to form a centrist ruling coalition with minor partners.
President Adamkus played a key role in bringing the new centrist parties together. The leader of the center-left New Union (also known as the Social Liberal party), Arturas Paulauskas, became the Chairman of the Seimas. The then-government of liberal Rolandas Paksas got off to a rocky start and collapsed within 7 months. In July 2001, the center-left New Union Party forged an alliance with the left-wing Social Democratic Party and formed a new cabinet under former President Algirdas Brazauskas. The cabinet of Algirdas Brazauskas is made up mostly of non-party technocrats and has emphasized the need for financial discipline.
In January 2003, former Prime Minister and Liberal Union Party leader Rolandas Paksas defeated incumbent president Valdas Adamkus in a runoff presidential election. In December 2003, an ad hoc parliamentary commission found that President Paksas' vulnerability to influence constituted a threat to national security. On April 7, 2004, parliament removed President Paksas from office. Parliamentary Speaker Arturas Paulauskas became acting President. Valdas Adamkus won the second round of presidential elections in June 2004 and was sworn in as President on July 12, 2004. The first round of parliamentary elections was held October 10, 2004 and a second round was held October 24, 2004. A new government, led by Prime Minister Algirdas Brazauskas, took office on December 14, 2004.
Lithuania officially became a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization on March 29, 2004 after depositing its instruments of treaty ratification in Washington, DC. Lithuania joined the European Union on May 1, 2004.
Principal Government Officials
Last Updated: 12/15/04
President: Adamkus, Valdas
Prime Minister: Brazauskas, Algirdas Mykolas
Min. of Agriculture & Forestry: Prunskiene, Kazimiera
Min. of Culture: Prudnikovas, Vladimiras
Min. of Defense: Kirkilas, Gediminas
Min. of Economy: Uspaskich, Viktor
Min. of Education & Science: Motuzas, Remigijus
Min. of Environment: Kundrotas, Arunas
Min. of Finance: Butkevicius, Algirdas
Min. of Foreign Affairs: Valionis, Antanas
Min. of Health: Padaiga, Zilvinas
Min. of Internal Affairs: Furmanavicius, Gintaras Jonas
Min. of Justice: Buzinskas, Gintautas
Min. of Social Security & Labor: Blinkeviciute, Vilija
Min. of Transport: Balcytis, Zigmantas
Chmn., Bank of Lithuania: Sarkinas, Reinoldijus
Ambassador to the US: Usackas, Vygaudas
Permanent Representative to the UN, New York: Serksnys, Gediminas
Lithuania maintains an embassy in the United States at 2622—16th Street, Washington DC, 20009, tel: (202) 234-5860.
ECONOMY
The Soviet era brought Lithuania intensive industrialization and economic integration into the U.S.S.R., although the level of technology and state concern for environmental, health, and labor issues lagged far behind Western standards. Urbanization increased from 39% in 1959 to 68% in 1989. From 1949-52 the Soviets abolished private ownership in agriculture, establishing collective and state farms. Production declined and did not reach pre-war levels until the early 1960s. The intensification of agricultural production through intense chemical use and mechanization eventually doubled production but created additional ecological problems. This changed after independence, when farm production dropped due to difficulties in restructuring the agricultural sector.
The transportation infrastructure inherited from the Soviet period is adequate and has been generally well maintained since independence. Lithuania has one ice-free seaport with ferry services to German, Swedish, and Danish ports. There are operating commercial airports with scheduled international services at Vilnius, Kaunas, and Klaipeda. The road system is good. Border facilities at checkpoints with Poland were significantly improved by using EU funds, but long waits are still a frequent phenomenon. Telecommunications have improved greatly since independence as a result of heavy investment. The Telecom company had a monopoly on the market until the end of 2002, but now there are a number of cell phone companies to provide competition.
The economy of independent Lithuania had a slow start, as the process of privatization and the development of new companies slowly moved the country from a command economy toward the free market. By 1998, the economy had survived the early years of uncertainty and several setbacks, including a banking crisis, and seemed poised for solid growth. However, the collapse of the Russian ruble in August 1998 shocked the economy into negative growth and forced the reorientation of trade from Russia toward the West. Since the Russia crisis, the focus of Lithuania's export markets has shifted from East to West. In 1997, exports to former Soviet states were 45% of total Lithuanian exports. Today, exports to the East are only 19% of the total, while exports to EU members and candidates are 71%. The government of 1999, which was led by Prime Minister Kubilius, managed to control raging budget deficits in the midst of the crisis, and all successor governments have maintained that fiscal discipline.
The last couple of years have been good for the Lithuanian economy. The 6.7% growth in GDP in 2002 went beyond even the most optimistic expectations, despite the slower developments in the neighboring markets after the September 11th terrorist attacks in New York and Washington, DC. The growth in Lithuania was mainly driven by private consumption and exports. The contribution of domestic market oriented sectors, especially construction, also was increasing. Growth was strongest in construction, financial intermediation, and processing and light industries. Inflation was low, the growth of the external account deficit stabilized, and the state finances improved noticeably with a fiscal deficit of 1.2% of GDP in 2002. Lithuania's GDP grew 9% in 2003. Progress has been achieved in the areas of privatization and deregulation. Weaknesses remain in public policy development and structural and agricultural reforms.
The privatization of major state enterprises is expected to be completed in the next couple of years. Currently, 75% of the economy is in private hands. The share of employees in the private sector rose to about 70%. Recently, the Government of Lithuania completed banking sector privatization, with 89% of this sector controlled by foreign capital. The privatization of the national gas and power companies "Lietuvos Dujos" (Lithuanian Gas) and "Lietuvos Energija" (Lithuanian Energy) also is underway. However, the privatization of "Lithuanian Railways" has been postponed.
Inflationary pressures continue to be low. Annual deflation in 2002 stood at 1.0%. The deflation has been the result of sharp competition among retail trade chains and appreciation of the local currency against the U.S. dollar.
The minimum wage has not changed since June 1998 and stands at $107.50 per month, well below the poverty threshold. The average wage stands at $336.8 per month.
Exports to the United States make up 3.6% of all Lithuania's exports, and imports from the United States comprise 1.4% of total imports to Lithuania. Foreign direct investment in Lithuania reached $3.9 billion at the end of 2002, which represented an increase of 24% compared to the previous year.
As of the end of 2002, the United States was the fifth-largest investor (8.7%) in Lithuania, behind Denmark, Sweden, Estonia, and Germany. In 2002, the current account deficit stood at 4.8% of GDP. More than 100% of it was financed by foreign direct investment.
On February 2, 2002, the government repegged the Litas from the U.S. dollar to the Euro at the rate of 3.4528 Litas for 1 Euro. The repeg, which went on smoothly, reflects a change in trade orientation and is to help Lithuania prepare for European Monetary Union. With the appreciation of local currency against the U.S. dollar, production costs to enterprises have been decreasing, but the higher exchange rate is not favorable to exports.
DEFENSE
Lithuania's defense system is based on the concept of "total and unconditional defense" mandated by Lithuania's national security strategy. The goal of Lithuania's defense policy is to prepare its society for general defense and to integrate Lithuania into Western security and defense structures. The defense ministry is responsible for combat forces, search/rescue, and intelligence operations. The core of the Lithuanian force structure is the "Iron Wolf" Rapid Reaction Brigade consisting of three mechanized and motorized battalions and appropriate combat support elements. An additional three battalions are located in the western military district. The National Volunteer Defense Forces (home guard) consist of one battalion-sized unit in each of Lithuania's 10 districts.
The 600-man navy uses patrol boats and former Russian corvettes for coastal surveillance; the 800-man air force operates 10 helicopters and 17 planes used mostly for reconnaissance and border patrol. A mandatory 1-year conscription and alternative service is available for conscientious objectors. Over the next decade Lithuania's military will undergo a transformation, cutting its active reserve to 5,000 and number of conscripts to 2000. With its security guaranteed through NATO, Lithuania is creating a military that focuses more on contributing to international operations, rather than territorial defense. Its military has participated in 11 international operations, including Afghanistan and Iraq.
The 5,400 border guards fall under the Interior Ministry's supervision and are responsible for border protection, passport and customs duties, and share responsibility with the navy for smuggling/drug trafficking interdiction. A special security department handles VIP protection and communications security.
FOREIGN RELATIONS
Lithuania became a member of the United Nations on September 18, 1991, and is a signatory to a number of its organizations and other international agreements. It also is a member of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the North Atlantic Coordinating Council, and the Council of Europe. Lithuania gained membership in the World Trade Organization on May 31, 2001, and in November 2002 was invited to join NATO. Lithuania officially became a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization on March 29, 2004 after depositing its instruments of treaty ratification in Washington, DC. Lithuania joined the European Union on May 1, 2004.
Lithuania maintains foreign diplomatic missions in 94 countries on six continents and consular posts in two countries that are not represented by an embassy. Lithuania's liberal "zero-option" citizenship law has substantially erased tensions with its neighbors. Its suspension of two strongly ethnic Polish district councils on charges of blocking reform or disloyalty during the August 1991 coup had cooled relations with Poland, but bilateral cooperation markedly increased with the holding of elections in those districts and the signing of a bilateral friendship treaty in 1994. Relations with Poland are now among the closest enjoyed by Lithuania. Although a similar bilateral friendship agreement was signed with Belarus in 1995, Lithuania has joined the United States and other European nations in urging the Government of Belarus to adopt democratic and economic reforms.
U.S.-LITHUANIAN RELATIONS
The United States established diplomatic relations with Lithuania on July 28, 1922. The Soviet invasion forced the closure of the Legation to Lithuania on September 5, 1940, but Lithuanian representation in the United States continued uninterrupted. The United States never recognized the forcible incorporation of Lithuania into the U.S.S.R. and views the present Government of Lithuania as a legal continuation of the interwar republic. Lithuania has enjoyed most-favored-nation treatment with the United States since December 1991. Since 1992, the United States has committed more than $100 million to Lithuania's economic and political transformation and to address humanitarian needs. The United States and Lithuania signed an agreement on bilateral trade and intellectual property protection in 1994—a bilateral investment treaty in 1997, and in 1998, the United States signed a "Charter of Partnership" with Lithuania and the other Baltic countries. Under this partnership, bilateral working groups focusing on improving regional security, defense, and economic issues were established.
Principal U.S. Embassy Officials
VILNIUS (E) Address: Akmenu 6, Vilnius; APO/FPO: PSC 78 BOX V; Phone: 370-5-2665500; Fax: 370-5-2665510; Workweek: M–F/8-5; Website: WWW.USEMBASSY.LT
| AMB: |
Stephen D. Mull |
| AMB OMS: |
Theresa Girone |
| DCM: |
Thomas Kelly |
| POL: |
Nancy Cohen |
| COM: |
Karen Pilmanis-Riga |
| CON: |
Ruta Elvikis |
| MGT: |
Cheryl Johnson |
| AFSA: |
Vacant |
| AGR: |
Wayne Molstaqd-Warsaw |
| CLO: |
Amy Mcdonough |
| CUS: |
James Taman-Frankfurt |
| DAO: |
Lawrence Beisel |
| DEA: |
Tom Bigoness-Copenhagen |
| ECO: |
Miguel Kamat |
| EEO: |
Ruta Elvikis |
| FAA: |
Paul Feldman-Brussels |
| GSO: |
Matthew Singer |
| ICASS Chair: |
Anthony Pahigian |
| IMO: |
David McCrane |
| INS: |
Gilbert L. Jacobs-Copenhagen |
| IPO: |
Eqbal Hakim |
| IRS: |
Peggy Mullins-Frankfurt |
| ISO: |
Christopher Gilberson |
| ISSO: |
David McCrane |
| LEGATT: |
James Nixon-Tallinn |
| PAO: |
Anthony Pahigian |
| RSO: |
Brent Barker |
| State ICASS: |
Miguel Kamat |
| Last Updated: 11/4/2004 |
TRAVEL
Consular Information Sheet
September 17, 2004
Country Description: Lithuania is a country undergoing rapid economic transition. Tourist facilities in Vilnius, the capital, and to a lesser extent in Kaunas and Klaipeda, are similar to those available in a Western European city. In other parts of the country, however, some of the goods and services taken for granted in other countries may not be available.
Entry/Exit Requirements: A valid passport is required to enter Lithuania. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry. U.S. citizens do not need Lithuanian visas for most stays of 90 days or less. Travelers remaining in Lithuania for more than 90 days within any six-month period must apply for temporary residency and should apply as early as possible since processing may take more than a month. U.S. citizens should contact the Lithuanian Embassy at 2622 16th Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009, tel. (202) 234-5860, www.ltembassyus.org for current information on visa requirements.
Travelers to Lithuania who also plan to enter Russia, even in transit, need a Russian visa. The Russian Embassy in Lithuania is able to provide same-day processing of tourist visas with payment of an additional fee. Proof of medical insurance valid through the period of travel is required.
In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry and exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of family relationship and permission from the non-accompanying parent(s) or legal guardian for the child's travel. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry and departure.
Dual Nationality: In addition to being subject to all Lithuanian laws affecting U.S. citizens, those travelers also holding Lithuanian citizenship may be subject to other laws imposing special obligations on Lithuanian citizens. Lithuanian law views dual nationals in the same way as those who have only Lithuanian citizenship, which could hamper U.S. efforts to provide consular protection. More information regarding Lithuanian citizenship can be obtained from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania, J. Tumo Vaizganto Street 2, 2600 Vilnius, telephone: (370) 2-362-539, e-mail: urm@urm.lt, website: www.urm.lt and from the Migration Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania, Sventaragio 2, 2600 Vilnius, telephone: (370) 2-717-236, fax: (370) 2-718-210, website: www.vrm.lt.
For additional information regarding dual nationality, please see the Consular Affairs home page on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov/ for our Dual Nationality flyer.
Safety and Security: Civil unrest is not a problem in Lithuania and there have been no incidents of terrorism directed toward American interests. Incidents of anti-Americanism are rare.
For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements can be found. Up to date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-800-407-4747 toll free in the United States, or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-317-472-2328. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
Crime: Crimes against foreigners, while usually non-violent, are becoming more common. Pickpocketing and theft are problems, so personal belongings should be well protected at all times. Car thefts, carjackings, and theft from cars are increasingly commonplace. Drivers should be wary of persons indicating they should pull over or that something is wrong with their car. Often, a second car or person is following, and when the driver of the targeted car gets out to see if there is a problem, the person who has been following will either steal the driver's belongings from the vehicle or get in and drive off with the car. Drivers should never get out of the car to check for damage without first turning off the ignition and taking the keys. Valuables also should not be left in plain sight in parked vehicles, as there have been increasing reports of car windows smashed and items stolen. Burglary of foreigners' homes is also prevalent; home alarm systems should be used whenever possible. American citizens should avoid walking alone or in small groups after dark. There have been cases of American citizens being drugged in bars and then taken elsewhere to be robbed. In any public area, one should always be alert to being surrounded by two or more people at once. Racially motivated verbal, and sometimes physical, harassment of American citizens of non-Caucasian ethnicity has been reported in major cities. Incidents of racially motivated attacks against foreigners have been reported in Klaipeda in particular.
If you are the victim of a crime while in Lithuania, in addition to reporting the crime to the local police, please contact the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local Lithuanian authorities, the Consular Section can provide information on the local criminal justice process. In Vilnius, an English-speaking Lithuanian police officer should always be available at 271-6222.
The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. U.S. citizens may refer to the Department of State's pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad," for ways to promote a trouble-free journey. The pamphlet is available by mail from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, via the Internet at http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs, or via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov.
Medical Facilities: Medical care in Lithuania is improving but medical facilities do not always meet Western standards. There are a few private clinics with medical supplies and services that are nearly equal to Western European or U.S. standards. Most medical supplies are now widely available, including disposable needles, anesthetics, antibiotics and other pharmaceuticals. Lithuania has many highly trained medical professionals, but hospitals and clinics still suffer from a lack of equipment and resources. Western-quality dental care can be obtained in major cities. Elderly travelers who require medical care may face extreme difficulties. Most pharmaceuticals sold here are from Europe; travelers will not necessarily find the same brands that they use in the U.S. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States can cost thousands of dollars or more. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.
Tick-borne encephalitis and Lyme disease are widespread. Those intending to visit parks or forested areas in Lithuania are urged to speak with their health care practitioners about immunization. The Lithuanian Government does not require HIV testing for U.S. citizens. However, sexually transmitted diseases are a growing concern.
Medical Insurance: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and if it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation.
U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas including emergency services such as medical evacuations.
When making a decision regarding health insurance, Americans should consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing service and that a medical evacuation to the U.S. may cost well in excess of $50,000. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas often face extreme difficulties.
When consulting with your insurer prior to your trip, ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas healthcare provider or if you will be reimbursed later for expenses you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death.
Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure, Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad, available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page or auto-fax: (202) 647-3000.
Other Health Information: Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or via the CDC's Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization's website at http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/iht.
Traffic Safety and Road Conditions: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Lithuania is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.
Safety of Public Transportation: Good
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Good
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Fair
Availability of Roadside Assistance: Good (on major highways)
Roads in Lithuania range from well maintained two to four-lane highways connecting major cities, to small dirt roads traversing the countryside. Violation of traffic rules is common. It is not unusual to be overtaken by other automobiles traveling at high speeds, even in crowded urban areas. Driving at night, especially in the countryside, can be particularly hazardous. In the summer, older "seasonal" vehicles and inexperienced drivers are extra hazards. During the winter, most major roads are cleared of snow. Driving with caution is urged at all times. The speed limit is 60 km/hr in town and 90 km/hr out of town unless otherwise indicated. The phone number for roadside assistance is 8-800-0000 from a regular phone and 188 from a GSM mobile phone.
Seatbelts are mandatory for the driver and all passengers except children under the age of 12. Studded tires are not allowed from April 1st through November 1st. Headlights must be turned on at all times from September 1st through 7th (the first week of school) and November 1st through March 1st. The police allow Americans to drive in Lithuania with an American driver's license for up to 3 months. Public transportation may be slow, but is generally safe. For additional general information about road safety, including links to foreign government sites, see the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov/road_safety.html. For specific information concerning Lithuanian driving permits, vehicle inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance, contact the Lithuanian State Department of Tourism at Vilniaus gatve 4/35, 2600 Vilnius, telephone: (370) 2-622-610, e-mail: info@tourism.lt, website: www.tourism.lt. See also road safety information from the Lithuanian Road Administration at www.lra.lt/index_en.html.
Aviation Safety Oversight: As there is no direct commercial air service between the U.S. and Lithuania by local carriers at present, nor economic authority to operate such service, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Lithuania's Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international aviation safety standards. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation within the U.S. at 1-800-322-7873, or visit the FAA's Internet website at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa.
Customs Regulations: Lithuanian customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from Lithuania of items such as firearms and antiquities. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of Lithuania in Washington or one of Lithuania's consulates in the United States for specific information regarding customs requirements. Special permission from the Ministry of Culture is required before one can remove antiques from Lithuania. Travelers are advised to contact the Foreign Export Valuation Control Section of the Ministry of Culture, Snipiskiu 3, Vilnius, tel: 2-724-113 or 2-724-005 before removing any object more than 50 years old from Lithuania; the definition of antiquity depends on the type of object. To export firearms, one needs special permission from the Ministry of the Interior. Cash in excess of 10,000 Lithuanian litai (or its equivalent in other currencies) must be declared in written form upon entry and exit.
Lithuanian customs authorities encourage the use of an ATA (Admission Temporaire/Temporary Admission) Carnet for the temporary admission of professional equipment, commercial samples, and/or goods for exhibitions and fair purposes. ATA Carnet Headquarters, located at the U.S. Council for International Business, 1212 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10036, issues and guarantees the ATA Carnet in the United States. For additional information call (212) 354-4480, send an e-mail to atacarnet@uscib.org, or visit www.uscib.org for details.
In many countries around the world, counterfeit and pirated goods are widely available. Transactions involving such products are illegal and bringing them back to the United States may result in forfeitures and/or fines. A current list of those countries with serious problems in this regard can be found at www.ustr.gov/reports/2003/special301.htm
Criminal Penalties: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law in Lithuania can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Lithuanian laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Lithuania are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.
Under the PROTECT Act of April 2003, it is a crime, prosecutable in the United States, for a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien, to engage in illicit sexual conduct in a foreign country with a person under the age of 18, whether or not the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident alien intended to engage in such illicit sexual conduct prior to going abroad. For purposes of the PROTECT Act, illicit sexual conduct includes any commercial sex act in a foreign country with a person under the age of 18. The law defines a commercial sex act as any sex act, on account of which anything of value is given to or received by a person under the age of 18.
Under the Protection of Children form Sexual Predators Act of 1998, it is a crime to use the mail or any facility of interstate or foreign commerce, including the Internet, to transmit information about a minor under the age of 16 for the criminal sexual purposes that include, among other things, the production of child pornography. This same law makes it a crime to use any facility of interstate or foreign commerce, including the Internet, to transport obscene material to minors under the age of 16.
Special Circumstances: Telephone connections are generally good, though phone numbers are in the process of being changed, especially in Vilnius. American 1-800 numbers can be accessed from Lithuania but not on a toll-free basis; the international long distance rate per minute will be charged.
Local Internet cafes offer computer access. ATMs are widely available. Most hotels, restaurants and other businesses now accept major credit cards.
Children's Issues: For information on international adoption of children, international parental child abduction please refer to our Internet site at http://travel.state.gov/family/index.html or telephone Overseas Citizens Services at 1-888-407-4747. This number is available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Callers who are unable to use toll-free numbers, such as those calling from overseas, may obtain information and assistance during these hours by calling 1-317-472-2328.
Registration/Embassy Location: Americans living or traveling in Lithuania are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov, and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Lithuania. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency. The U.S. Embassy is located at Akmenu gatve 6, tel. (370)(5) 266-5500 or 266-5600; fax (370)(5) 266-5590. Consular information an also be found on the Embassy Vilnius home page at http://vilnius/usembassy.gov/.
International Adoption
January 2005
The information below has been edited from a report of the State Department Bureau of Consular Affairs, Office of Overseas Citizens Services. For more information, please read the International Adoption section of this book and review current reports online at www.travel.state.gov/family.
Disclaimer: The information in this circular relating to the legal requirements of specific foreign countries is provided for general information only. Questions involving interpretation of specific foreign laws should be addressed to foreign legal counsel.
Please Note: The Department of State has been informed that some unscrupulous individuals in Lithuania have promised U.S. adoption agencies and prospective adoptive parents that they can escort Lithuanian orphans to the United States to be adopted, and have collected fees from parents in order to cover their "expenses." However, the U.S. Embassy in Vilnius confirms that such escorts are not allowed under Lithuanian law and orphans must be adopted in Lithuania.
Availability of Children for Adoption: Recent U.S. immigrant visa statistics reflect the following pattern for visa issuance to orphans.
FY-1997: IR-3 immigrant visas issued to Lithuanian orphans adopted abroad – 77, IR-4 immigrant visas issued to Lithuanian orphans to be adopted in the U.S. – 1
FY-1998: IR-3 Visas—72,
IR-3 Visas – 0
FY-1999: IR-3 Visas—61,
IR-3 Visas – 2
FY-2000: IR-3 Visas—29,
IR-3 Visas—0
Lithuanian Adoption Authority: Adoption Agency under Ministry of Social Security and Labor (Ivaikinimo agentura) is responsible for inter-country adoption in Lithuania. This agency maintains a registry of foreign families wishing to adopt in Lithuania.
Lithuanian Adoption Procedures: Prospective parents must register on this list before beginning any adoption proceedings. The application can be written in English with the translation into Lithuanian. The agency registers the applications according to the application receiving date. As children become available, the agency contacts parents according to their position on the list. Prospective adoptive parents may register with the Adoption Agency in person or by writing to the following address: Vivulskio 11, 115 kab, Vilnius, Lithuania. The fax number for the agency is (370-2) 60-38-13. Representatives of prospective adoptive parents may register on their behalf, if they have a power of attorney. At the time of registration, prospective adoptive parents should provide a statement in which they specify the age, health condition, sex or other qualities they are seeking in an adopted child. Along with the statement, prospective adoptive parents must present to the agency copies of the following documents:
- 1. home study;
- 2. health certificates of the prospective adoptive parents;
- 3. financial statements, indicating their income;
- 4. police certificates, indicating that they have never been convicted of a crime;
- 5. copy of the first page of each of their passports;
- 6. copy of each of their birth certificates; and,
- 7. Copy of their marriage certificate.
A Secretary of the State in which the document has been produced must translate all documents into Lithuanian and authenticated with an Apostille. Translation of the originals must be notarized.
Please see the International Adoption section of this book for more details and review current reports online at travel.state.gov/family.
Age and Civil Status Requirements: Foreign nationals can adopt a child in Lithuania only 6 months after the application is registered. The law does not permit foreign nationals to adopt children younger than 6 months.
Adoption Agencies and Attorneys: There are no adoption agencies in Lithuania.
Doctors: The U.S. Embassy (Consulate) maintains current lists of doctors and sources for medicines, should either you or your child experience health problems while in Lithuania.
Lithuanian Documentary Requirements:
- original birth certificate of the child;
- death certificate(s) of parent(s), if applicable;
- parental affidavit surrendering all rights to the child (if father is "unknown," a statement to that effect by a competent authority must also be presented;
- final Adoption Decree signed by the District Court;
- new birth certificate of the child; and,
- adoption certificate.
All questions concerning these documents and the completion of the I-604 Report should be addressed to the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Vilnius. If the U.S. Embassy in Vilnius may be of further assistance, please contact them at:
U.S. Embassy in Vilnius:
Consular Section
U.S. Embassy Vilnius
PSC 78, Box V
APO AE 09723
Consular Section telephone:
011-3702-22-30-31
011-3702-22-27-37
Consular Section fax:
011-370-670-6084
U.S. Immigration Requirements: A Lithuanian child adopted by an American citizen must obtain an immigrant visa before he or she can enter the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident. Please see the International Adoption section of this book for more details.
Lithuanian Embassy in the U.S.:
2622 16th Street NW
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 234-5860
Warsaw Embassy in the United States:
Consular Section, IV Unit/Adoptions
U.S. Embassy
U.S. Department of State
Washington, DC 20521-5010
The U.S. Embassy in Warsaw is responsible for the issuance of all immigrant visas for applicants from Lithuania. Therefore, we suggest that you request a copy of their standard information packet from the following address:
U.S. Embassy in Warsaw:
Consular Section, IV Unit/Adoptions or
U.S. Embassy Warsaw
Al. Ujazdowskie 29/21
00-540 Warsaw, Poland
Consular Section telephone:
011-48-22-628-3041, ext. 2105
Consular Section Fax:
011-48-22-627-4734
Interpreters and Translators
Zodis
Upes street #5
Tel: 75 16 49
HRS: 09:00-13:00, 14:00-17:00
Litinterp
Bernardinu street 7—2
Tel: 22 32 91, 22 38 50
HRS: 09:00-18:00, Sat 09:00-16:00
Questions: Specific questions regarding adoption in Lithuania may be addressed to the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Vilnius. You may also contact the Office of Children's Issues, SA-29, 2201 C Street, NW, U.S. Department of State, Washington, DC 20520-2818, and telephone 1-888-407-4747 with specific questions.
