Israeli President Moshe Katsav spent Sept. 21-22 in Vilnius during a state visit to this country at the invitation of Lithuanian President Valdas Adamkus.

During his visit M.Katsav met and spoke with President Valdas Adamkus, chairman of the Parliament Artëras  Paulauskas, and prime minister Algirdas Brazauskas. They discussed the political situation in the Near East after the withdrawal by the Israelis from Gaza and Samaria, various international issues, Lithuanian-Israeli relations, and prospects for strengthening collaboration in the spheres of economy, culture, education, and sports.

M.Katsav spoke at the Parliament, met with representatives of the Lithuanian Jewish Community at the Vilnius Taharot ha-Kodesh synagogue, placed wreaths at the memorial to Lithuanian freedom fighters in the Antakalnis cemetery, and took part in the comemoration to the victims of the genocide of Lithuania's Jews in Paneriai.

ON THE ROAD TO NEW INTERRELATIONS

The presidents of Lithuania and Israel discussed the international situation, and prospects for mutual relations.

President V.Adamkus noted that the visit by the Israeli President to Lithuania is an historical event which will undoubtedly strengthen state ties. He congratulated Israel's efforts to create stability and fight terrorism in the Near East.

V.Adamkus emphasized that Lithuania is working on honouring and preserving the memory of the victims of the Holocaust, on researching the topic, and educating younger generations.

M.Katsav acknowledged the close relations between Lithuania and Israel, and noted that it is crucial to strengthen ties in the spheres of education and technology, and to exchange business delegations.

A press conference was held after their meeting.

"Historical facts show that some Lithuanian citizens collaborated with the Nazi regime. They show that many Jews were killed here because of that collaboration. They show that the terrible plan of the Nazi regime to kill all Jews was the ruination of Lithuanian and world Jews," - said M.Katsav at the press conference which was held at the Presidency.

He also said that he knows that many Lithuanians fought against Nazism, and helped Jews during the war.

"I respect those people a great deal. I believe that those courageous Lithuanian citizens could be an example of humaneness," - said the Israeli President.

M.Katsav stated that he trusts that Lithuanian institutions will carry out the restitution of Jewish property. "I know that this question is being resolved in Lithuanian government institutions, I trust them, I trust your President and government, and I do not intend to try to control their decisions," - said the Israeli President.

V.Adamkus said that Lithuania and Israel are on the path to a new relationship based on mutual humanitarianism, human rights and respect.

"We admit the past. We agree that it was not just. But at the same time we have decided not to stand inert and not to shed tears for ourselves. We look to the future together," - said the Lithuanian President.

President Valdas Adamkus and his wife Alma organized a state dinner at the Presidency for their high-level guest. Invited guests to the dinner included Lithuanian cultural, education, art, political and public figures, and representatives of the Lithuanian Jewish Community. The reception was catered by the kosher Kineret restaurant.

The presidents exchanged speeches during the course of the evening.

Newspaper of the Jewish Community of Lithuania “Jerusalem of Lithuania” 2005.