On 23 August, President of Latvia Edgars Rinkēvičs will meet with President of the Republic of Estonia Alar Karis at the Unguriņi-Lilli border crossing point on the Latvia-Estonia border to mark the 35th anniversary of the Baltic Way. In the afternoon, President Rinkēvičs and President of the Republic of Lithuania Gitanas Nausėda will attend a ceremony dedicated to the 35th anniversary of the Baltic Way in Pasvalys, Lithuania.
“35 years ago 2 million Estonians, Latvians and Lithuanians joined hands to oppose the Soviet occupation regime. A human chain spanning more than 600 kilometres connected Tallinn, Riga and Vilnius. Standing united against injustice, oppression and violence, Lithuanians, Latvians and Estonians began their shared journey to restoring independence. The Baltic Way was the beginning of our return to the democratic world. The Baltic Way demonstrated that our power lies within our unity and our desire for freedom. 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 the destruction of communist regimes in Europe. For many, the Baltic Way was a deeply personal and emotional event. An experience that stays with one forever. Therefore, 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,” notes President of Latvia Edgars Rinkēvičs.
The presidents of the Republic of Latvia and the Republic of Estonia will meet at the Unguriņi-Lilli border crossing point on the Latvia-Estonia border where a monument to the Baltic Way has been erected; the presidents will give addresses, followed by informal discussions.
In the afternoon, Presidents Rinkēvičs will meet with the President of the Republic of Lithuania in Pasvalys, Lithuania, and a joint press conference will be held after the meeting.
The Baltic Way was the most vivid demonstration of the unity of the Baltic peoples in fighting for the restoration of the statehood of the Baltic States 35 years ago. Approximately 2 million people joined hands to draw international attention to the illegal incorporation of the Baltic States into the USSR and violations of international law. This is a topical issue today when Ukraine is fighting for its right to exist.
Information for the media:
- 10:00 Event marking the 35th anniversary of the Baltic Way on the Latvia-Estonia border
- 15:00 Event marking the 35th anniversary of the Baltic Way in Pasvalys
- 16:10 Joint press conference of President of Latvia Edgars Rinkēvičs and President of Lithuania Gitanas Nausėda after bilateral meeting
Transportation to the events marking the 35th anniversary of the Baltic Way will be provided to the media (leaving Riga Castle at 7:00; media representatives need to arrive by 6:40). Media representatives are kindly requested to register for transportation by contacting the Media Centre of the Chancery of the President of Latvia by 11:00 on 22 August, by writing to prese@president.lv or by phone +371 67092157.