In honour of the 35th anniversary of the Baltic Way, on 23 August, at the Unguriņi-Lilli border crossing point on the Latvia-Estonia border, President of Latvia Edgars Rinkēvičs met with President of the Republic of Estonia Alar Karis and residents of the border area. In the afternoon, President Rinkēvičs together with President of the Republic of Lithuania Gitanas Nausėda attended a ceremony dedicated to the 35th anniversary of the Baltic Way in Pasvalys, Lithuania.
35 years ago, the Baltic Way went through here. A human chain spanning over 600 kilometres connected Tallinn, Rīga and Vilnius. This joint demonstration by our three nations, the idea for which came from the Popular Front of Estonia, is a unique and, as of yet, unsurpassed campaign in world history.
By joining hands, 2 million Estonians, Latvians and Lithuanians opposed the Soviet occupation regime. We reminded the world about the deprivation of liberty of the Baltic States and the crimes perpetrated by the totalitarian system. In close unity, our nations expressed their will to fight for democracy and restore their independent states.
However, today, it is crucial to remind the world about both the desires of that time and the principles of freedom, human rights, and democracy. This is especially important as Ukraine is fighting for its right to exist. For the same values that we stood for 35 years ago as we were regaining independence and we continue to stand for today. Together our nations are supporting Ukraine in its fight against the aggressor – Russia. We will continue to support our Ukrainian friends and brothers until their complete victory.
The cohesion of the people of the three Baltic States and their deep-seated faith in freedom was an important driving force not only in the restoration of the sovereignty of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania but also in the destruction of communism in Europe.
For many of us, the Baltic Way was a deeply personal and emotional event. For many – it is history seen in videos and photos. It is crucial to maintain the memories and feelings surrounding the shared road to freedom of the Baltics and pass it on to the next generations.
23 August is a day to remind ourselves and the world about the power of national unity and determination in the fight for independence and freedom.
The power of the Baltic States lies in their unity and mutual support! Let us keep that forever!” President of Latvia Edgars Rinkēvičs said in his address at the Unguriņi-Lilli border crossing point on the Latvian-Estonian border.
