Russian MFA Press and Information Department Comments on the Facts of Manifestation of Xenophobia and Racism in Lithuania

The summer camp held by the Lithuanian National Youth Union in the compact settlement of a national minority Dieveniskes under the nationalist slogans "Lithuania for Lithuanians" and "Purify the Country from Slavic and Germanic languages" indicates a strengthening in the country of xenophobic and racist sentiments.

We presume that during Lithuania's Chairmanship of the OSCE the human rights situation should be in the center of special attention not only overseas but in the first place in its "own home," and that the state ought to be an example of uncompromising struggle against any manifestations of xenophobia and racism in line with the recommendations of international organizations. Yet the approaches of official Vilnius to the said event demonstrate a clear commitment to double standards.

On the one hand, Lithuanian Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius after the fact condemned the actions as "destroying the foundations of trust and inciting national hatred," and on the other hand there had been no preventive measures whatsoever. Moreover, the Lithuanian National Youth Union project received state financial support and officials did not shun participating in this odious event.

Unfortunately, in recent years such disturbing trends have been gaining momentum in the OSCE area. With the connivance and even with the participation of authorities there have begun to be held various (including international) activities that, in fact, contribute to the spread of neo-Nazi and racist views and a review of the outcome of World War II, the victory in which was achieved at too high a price.

We are convinced that no compromise, no pandering to such views and sentiments are permissible.

August 5, 2011