Stories about Lithuania from July, 2009
Europe: “When East Becomes West”
Raf Uzar is wondering whether “the definition of Western Europe [is] the same now as it was in 1945.”
Russia: Retreat of the Cold Warriors
Gerhard Mangott discusses [GER] the recent letter by Central and East European leaders, warning the US of the consequences of a withdrawal from the region.
Lithuania: View from Vilnius on anti-gay law
Lituanica raises the heated issue of the new anti-gay legislation in Lithuania, and explains that it is still some way to go before it enters into force, not least as it confronts opposition from most educated and liberally inclined Lithuanians.
Lithuania: Interview with new president
Lituanica posts a translation of an interview in Verslo žinios with Lithuania's new president, Dalia Grybauskaite, upon her inauguration.
Lithuania: Russian charter challenges loyalty
Lituanica comments on news that a Russian NGO is starting to issue so called Russian charters – a certificate of allegiance to Moscow – to ethnic Russians outside of the country and sees it as a potential threat that state citizens of other countries may declare loyalty to Moscow.
Lithuania: Protest against anti-gay legislation
Dr. Sean's Diary comments on a Lithuanian legislative bill proposing criminalization of propagating homosexuality and posts a press-release from the Lithuanian Gay League protesting the bill.
Lithuania: Quiz pro quo
Lapelis draws attention to [GER] a quiz on Lithuania's 1,000 year history, by the country's Ministry for Foreign Affairs, and in response makes his own – more critical – quiz on the same theme.
Lithuania: Citizenship bill under fire
Lituanica recounts the ongoing debate over citizenship legislation in Lithuania, as a new bill is proposed, and how emigré Lithuanians protest against the proposal to ban dual citizenship, effectively berieving them their nationality.
Lithuania-Russia: Vilnius as Moscow's European advocate
Lapelis comments on [GER] how Lithuania serves as Russia's primary advocate in the European Union, arguing for EU-visa deregulation of the population of Russian exclave Kaliningrad.
Lithuania: 1000 years as a nation
Lituanica recounts the celebration of the 1000th anniversary of Lithuania's first mention in historical sources.