Joint Baltic American National Committee

Joint Baltic American National Committee Representing the: Estonian American National Council, Inc. American Latvian Association, Inc. Lithuanian American Council, Inc.

BALTIC-AMERICAN POLITICAL ACTIVITY: A VISION FOR THE FUTURE

Joint Baltic American National Committee (JBANC) http://jbanc.org Rockville, Maryland September 2004

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The purpose of this White Paper is to present a vision and plan for future BalticAmerican political activity following Baltic accession to NATO and the European Union. Since 1961, the Joint Baltic American National Committee, Inc. (JBANC) has been successful in advocating the Baltic-American agenda with Congress, the White House, the State Department, and other federal agencies. With the restoration of independence to the Baltic countries and now their accession into NATO and the EU, JBANC and other Baltic-American organizations need to re-examine their roles, assess the political situation, and plan for the future. In brief outline, JBANC will actively work on the following initiatives. The list is not prioritized. 1) Bear witness to the legacy of communism a) Pass a congressional resolution condemning the crimes of communism and seeking an apology from Russia b) Build a memorial to the victims of communism in Washington, DC, near Capitol Hill, and establish on the Internet an interactive virtual museum, which will provide visitors a gateway to the legacy of communist crimes and witness memories 2) Export democracy and “the Baltic experience” beyond the Baltics a) Promote passage of the Belarus Democracy Act in Congress b) Support democracy movements in Belarus, Ukraine, Moldova, and the Caucasus Republics c) Seek removal of Russian troops from Moldova and Georgia 3) Engage Russia in social, political, and economic dialogue a) Defend the Baltics, especially Estonia and Latvia, from unjust accusations concerning their Russian-speaking minorities b) Debate the future of Kaliningrad, seeking the goal of demilitarization, and pointing out the disastrous health (HIV/AIDS and TB) and environmental conditions there, and their threat to the public health of the region c) Scrutinize the environmental threats posed by Russian oil drilling off Baltic coastlands d) Monitor the efforts of Russia to control the Baltic energy sector and its use of that power for political leverage and economic blackmail 4) Strengthen transatlantic integration, regional cooperation and U.S. engagement in the Baltics a) Seek funding (target of $2 million) in Congress for the Enhanced Partnership in Northern Europe (e-PINE) b) Increase cooperation and the sharing of information between the U.S. and the Baltics regarding trade, investment, tourism, culture, and sports c) Obtain sufficient funding for military and other programs in the Baltics d) Work to improve U.S. public diplomacy and resources in the Baltics

2

5) Expand relations and cooperation with other ethnic organizations and political groups in the U.S. and the Baltics a) Continue effective cooperation with the Central and East European Coalition (CEEC) b) Explore ways to increase cooperation with the Maryland-Baltic Educational Consortium in order to improve and help fund JBANC educational and outreach programs c) Facilitate greater cooperation between Baltic-American organizations and NGO’s in the Baltic countries d) Maintain good relationships with the three Baltic embassies in Washington and continue hosting quarterly meetings where Baltic-American organizations can exchange information with embassy staffs e) Build relationships with the Baltic Assembly, “The Baltic Times” newspaper, and other media and institutions in the Baltics f) Stay involved with the Baltic Caucuses in the House and Senate and in the U.S. political process, especially the presidential and Congressional elections 6) Provide accurate information and timely policy analysis regarding Baltic affairs in the U.S. and abroad a) Fund a JBANC representative in the Baltics who will help coordinate JBANC activities there and provide vital information and analysis for JBANC programs in the U.S. b) Organize a JBANC conference in the spring of 2005 which would address in greater detail and sophistication some of the major topics of this White Paper

3

CONTENTS 1.0

INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................ 5

2.0

HISTORICAL OVERVIEW ............................................................................... 5

3.0

SPECIFIC PROJECTS AND ACTION STEPS................................................ 6

3.1 BEAR WITNESS TO THE LEGACY OF COMMUNISM ................................................. 6 3.1.1 Condemn the crimes of communism ............................................................. 6 3.1.2 Memorialize the victims of communism........................................................ 7 3.1.3 Action steps................................................................................................... 7 3.2 EXPORT DEMOCRACY AND “THE BALTIC EXPERIENCE” BEYOND THE BALTICS .... 8 3.2.1 Belarus.......................................................................................................... 8 3.2.2 Ukraine ......................................................................................................... 8 3.2.3 Moldova ........................................................................................................ 8 3.2.4 The Caucasus Republics ............................................................................... 8 3.2.5 Action steps................................................................................................... 9 3.3 ENGAGE RUSSIA IN SOCIAL, POLITICAL, AND ECONOMIC DIALOGUE .................... 9 3.3.1 Kaliningrad................................................................................................... 9 3.3.2 Environment and energy............................................................................. 10 3.3.3 Action steps................................................................................................. 10 3.4 STRENGTHEN TRANSATLANTIC INTEGRATION AND REGIONAL COOPERATION .... 10 3.4.1 Trade and aid.............................................................................................. 11 3.4.2 U.S. public diplomacy................................................................................. 11 3.4.3 Action steps................................................................................................. 12 3.5 EXPAND RELATIONS AND COOPERATION WITH OTHER ETHNIC ORGANIZATIONS AND POLITICAL GROUPS IN THE U.S. AND THE BALTICS................................................ 12 3.5.1 Action steps................................................................................................. 13 3.6 PROVIDE ACCURATE INFORMATION AND TIMELY POLICY ANALYSIS REGARDING BALTIC AFFAIRS IN THE U.S. AND ABROAD .................................................................. 13 3.6.1 Action steps................................................................................................. 14 4.0

JBANC CONTACT INFORMATION ............................................................. 14

4

1.0 INTRODUCTION What should be the role of the Joint Baltic American National Committee, Inc. (JBANC) and other Baltic-American political organizations after NATO and European Union accession? Given that membership in these international organizations will provide the Baltic countries with military and economic security through regional integration, mutual defense policies, and economic co-dependency, what more can Baltic-Americans do to help their countries of heritage and fellow constituents in the U.S.? While our constituencies’ main priorities of the last ten years, NATO and EU membership, have been achieved, there is still much important work for JBANC and other U.S.-Baltic political groups to do in safeguarding Baltic sovereignty and security. The Baltic region is positioned between East and West on the geopolitical map. Russia still struggles with its imperial legacy and seeks to maintain its interests in the “near abroad” by actively attempting to exercise influence and control by various means, notably through the energy sector. The heavily militarized region of Kaliningrad and the authoritarian regime in Belarus are other threats to the Baltics.

2.0 HISTORICAL OVERVIEW JBANC was founded in 1961, uniting three main organizations representing the Baltic communities in the United States. Its purpose was to address issues vital to the Baltic countries and, most importantly, the restoration of their independence. Due in large part to the U.S. policy of non-recognition of the illegal occupation and annexation of these three countries by the Soviet Union, a glimmer of hope for restored independence was kept alive throughout the decades of the Cold War. From the 1960’s to the 1990’s, JBANC focused on a wide range of issues. Some of the more prominent included advising the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (the U.S. Helsinki Commission) on human rights and related concerns, raising awareness of the plight of Baltic dissidents, and supporting U.S. international broadcasting to the Baltics. Most importantly, JBANC was in the forefront of keeping alive the idea of independence for Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania in the corridors of power in Washington, DC. Contacts were established and maintained with Members of Congress and pertinent offices in the White House, the State Department, and other federal agencies. These relationships proved invaluable during the crucial time leading up to the fall of the Soviet Union and restoration of Baltic independence. With JBANC’s presence in Washington, DC, it was easier to act quickly and effectively in mobilizing support for the Baltic cause than would otherwise have been the case. JBANC first hired full-time professional staff in 1975, enabling it to provide a permanent physical Baltic presence in Washington. This is a key element in the functioning of the organization and gives JBANC and the Baltic-American community an advantage over other ethnic American groups, most of which do not have full-time staff, especially in Washington DC, and whose work is consequently of a more sporadic 5

nature. JBANC has been one of the most effective ethnic political organizations in the nation’s capital. In 1991, the organization’s primary objective of restored independence for the Baltics was achieved, thanks in part to the strong support and advocacy efforts of the BalticAmerican communities. With independence restored, JBANC and other Baltic organizations turned to the important goal of Russian troop withdrawal from the Baltics. After three years of concerted effort, this goal was also achieved. In the summer of 1994 began the decade-long campaign to secure Baltic admission to NATO. A major first step was achieved by the signing of the U.S.-Baltic Charter of Partnership in 1998. Our ultimate goal, NATO membership, was finally accomplished on March 29, 2004.

3.0 SPECIFIC PROJECTS AND ACTION STEPS Now, JBANC must move on to new goals. What follows is a list of new activities and projects that our organization is beginning to pursue. It is not an exhaustive list. Undoubtedly, unforeseen issues and problems may arise that we also will need to address. Given Russia’s unpredictability, the political existence of the Baltics may remain uncertain in the long run, necessitating continued monitoring and action from concerned groups in the U.S. 3.1

Bear witness to the legacy of communism

The Baltic countries were for long periods victims of Russian imperialism and Soviet communism. Since the days of Baltic independence in 1918, there were efforts by Moscow to destabilize legitimate Baltic governments. Together with Nazi Germany, Soviet Russia sought control of Central and Eastern Europe through the MolotovRibbentrop Pact and its secret protocols of August 1939. The Soviet Union coerced the three Baltic governments in 1939 to cede military bases and then, in 1940, to forfeit sovereignty. Mass murders and deportations to the Siberian gulags followed. The U.S did not recognize the illegal occupation and annexation. 3.1.1

Condemn the crimes of communism

Even though Moscow quickly recognized the sovereignty of the Baltic governments in 1991, the Russian Federation, as the successor state of the USSR, has refused to admit that the occupation and annexation of the three Baltic countries was an illegal and forced act. At the same time, Russia has admitted to its culpability for the Katyn Forest massacre during World War II in Poland and of its role in the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact. Soviet leaders expressed regret about the invasions of Hungary in 1956 and of Czechoslovakia in 1968. Despite these welcome gestures of contrition, Moscow seems to be in denial about the brutal Soviet occupation of the Baltics. JBANC continues to bring to light facts about the illegal Soviet takeover and foreign communist rule in the Baltics. We feel this is absolutely necessary to help Russia come to terms with its past, and to adopt a more friendly, politically responsible, and mature relationship with the Baltic countries. 6

There appears to be growing support in Europe for some sort of formal condemnation of the crimes of communism. A resolution introduced by the Council of Europe last year seeks such an understanding. This effort has the support of the Baltic Assembly. JBANC has prepared for congressional consideration a similar resolution asking that Russia admit to the crimes of the Soviet Union toward the Baltic countries. This effort could conceivably be coupled with the one in Europe, thus having two similar efforts going on both sides of the Atlantic. Along the same lines, in May of this year, a “White Book” requesting an apology and approximately $104 billion in reparations for damages caused by the Soviet-era occupation has been presented to the Estonian Parliament for consideration and action. Similar efforts are taking place in Latvia and Lithuania. As with Nazism, the crimes of communism must be exposed and the historical record made clear. In the absence of this search for truth, progress toward a brighter future for all concerned will be hampered. JBANC will monitor the efforts by the Council of Europe and other institutions and will follow the proceedings in the Estonian Parliament and will increase its efforts to introduce a resolution in the United States Congress. 3.1.2

Memorialize the victims of communism

A rejuvenated effort in Washington, DC to build a memorial to the victims of communism is meeting with success. The Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation is collecting funds and materials to erect a memorial in Washington, DC near Capitol Hill by early 2005. Efforts are also underway to establish on the Internet an interactive “virtual museum,” which will provide visitors a gateway to the legacy of communist crimes and witness memories. An organizing committee has conducted successful fundraisers and is reaching out to the ethnic communities and key members of Congress and the Administration. President George W. Bush is the Honorary Chairman of the effort. JBANC has supported and advanced the efforts of the victims of communism. Our organization is convinced that with memorials to most other horrific deeds of the past already in place, it is time for this memorial to the costliest example of man's inhumanity to man. JBANC Managing Director Karl Altau was named in January 2004 to the Board of Directors of the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation. 3.1.3

• •

Action steps

Pass a congressional resolution condemning the crimes of communism and seeking an apology from Russia Build a memorial to the victims of communism in Washington, DC, near Capitol Hill, and establish on the Internet an interactive virtual museum, which will provide visitors a gateway to the legacy of communist crimes and witness memories

7

3.2

Export democracy and “the Baltic Experience” beyond the Baltics

An international conference in Riga, Latvia, in February 2004 re-emphasized the geographical areas of particular concern for the Baltic countries - the neighborhood to the east and south. The development of stable democracies in Belarus, Ukraine, Moldova, and the Caucasus is critical for stable development and security of the Baltic region. With Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia in NATO and the EU, efforts need to be made to export the “Baltic experience” and to enlarge the zone of democracy. 3.2.1

Belarus

Steps should be taken to advance the democratic processes in Belarus by making it a partner rather than an adversary of the Baltics and the rest of the democratic world. Legislation introduced in the U.S. Congress addresses the problems of Belarus and authorizes a significant sum of money toward democracy-building programs in that country. The Belarus Democracy Act (S. 700 and H.R. 854) is in the interests of the Baltic countries and the West and JBANC is committed to work towards its passage. Belarus will hold parliamentary elections in October 2004. These elections can be considered a referendum on President Aleksandr Lukashenka’s repressive rule and will be a test for his opposition, which must overcome the government’s coercion, intimidation, and oppression. 3.2.2

Ukraine

Ukraine will hold presidential elections in 2004 as well. Its fragile democracy rests on whether President Leonid Kuchma will seek an unconstitutional third consecutive term in office. His continued presence could severely jeopardize the economic, political, and most importantly, the judicial reform of the country. Kuchma has shown repressive tendencies. His government recently halted U.S. international broadcasting to Ukraine. Ukraine is one of the largest countries in Europe and is truly at a crossroads between Western and Eastern Europe. Due to its geopolitical importance, Ukraine must not become another failed state. 3.2.3

Moldova

Parts of Moldova are occupied by Russian troops. If Russian-endorsed plans to destabilize the unity of Moldova were to succeed, it would legitimize the corrupt Transdniester enclave in that region, creating a continued haven for drug, weapons and human trafficking, and contraband. These efforts were sidetracked in December 2003, but fears remain that Russia is seeking to make a permanent imprint on that country. 3.2.4

The Caucasus Republics

The biggest problem in the Caucasus Republics is the continued territorial conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia. With a Trans-Caucasian oil pipeline being built from the Caspian Sea to the Black Sea, the U.S. should be particularly concerned about 8

stability in that region. In Georgia the new President, Mikhail Saakashvili, a proWestern politician, is expected to provide needed leadership to build a society based on democratic traditions and the rule of law and to serve as an example in the Caucasus region. 3.2.5

• • • 3.3

Action steps

Promote passage of the Belarus Democracy Act in Congress Support the democracy movements in Belarus, Ukraine, Moldova, and the Caucasus Republics Support efforts to remove Russian troops from Moldova and Georgia Engage Russia in social, political, and economic dialogue

JBANC supports a fully democratic Russia and recognizes the importance of engaging Russia in social, political, and economic dialogue. However, developments following the elections to the Duma in December 2003 and the March 2004 presidential election have presented an alarming picture of the autocratic, anti-democratic course which Russia seems to be charting. There is little discussion of this worrisome trend important exceptions being a Senate floor speech given in November 2003 by U.S. Senator John McCain and comments made by Secretary of State Colin Powell after the Russian presidential elections in March 2004. Relations between the U.S., the Baltics and Russia remain the primary concern for JBANC. The Russian Federation has maintained a high level of rhetoric against the Baltics, particularly Estonia and Latvia, concerning the fate of the Russian-language minorities in those countries. This occurs despite the assurances of international bodies and observers and the fact that Estonia and Latvia have adjusted their laws to make the integration of non-native populations less difficult. Russian leaders have also spoken out strongly against the basing of NATO assets in the Baltics. It is JBANC’s position that Russian criticisms are undeserved and unfounded. The Baltic countries have a sovereign right as independent nations to choose the course that is best for their peoples. Since they are full-fledged members of NATO, it is the responsibility of the alliance to provide for their security. Therefore JBANC commends NATO’s decision to provide needed military materials and training to the Baltics in response to vital security interests of the expanded alliance. 3.3.1

Kaliningrad

Questions related to the future of Kaliningrad have to be also considered when discussing the geopolitical environment of the Baltic region. It is a separate part of the Russian Federation, situated on the Baltic coast between Lithuania and Poland. Used as a major military base by the Soviet Union, it remains heavily militarized and threatening.

9

However, there are other serious concerns related to Kaliningrad beside the military issue. These relate to the disastrous social and economic situation of the region. The lack of economic progress has resulted in an environmental and social health crisis. HIV/AIDS and TB remain a growing threat to public health. Despite efforts by its neighbors to help Kaliningrad, its overall condition has earned it the label “the Black Hole” of Europe. 3.3.2

Environment and energy

A clean environment and reliable sources of energy are major concerns for the Baltics. There are still large pollution problems from the Soviet era. Russian drilling for oil just 20 miles off the protected coast of Lithuania raises the specter of environmental disaster. Russia has control of oil imports to and through Baltic ports, and uses its position of power as political leverage. Many cases of economic blackmail have been observed during the last decade, including the energy blockade of Lithuania in 1990 and the current energy blockade of Ventspils port. JBANC is committed to monitoring these developments and promoting ways to address and solve these important problems. 3.3.3

• • • • 3.4

Action steps

Defend the Baltics, especially Estonia and Latvia, from unjust accusations concerning the status of their Russian-speaking minorities Debate the future of Kaliningrad, seeking the goal of demilitarization, and pointing out the disastrous health (HIV/AIDS and TB) and environmental conditions there, and their threat to the public health of the region Scrutinize the environmental threats posed by Russian drilling of oil off Baltic coastlands Monitor the efforts of Russia to control the Baltic energy sector and its use of that power for political leverage and economic blackmail Strengthen transatlantic integration and regional cooperation

With enlargement of NATO and the EU to the Baltics, transatlantic integration and regional cooperation have risen to a new level. The countries can now look forward to stability, security, and integration into the family of like-minded democratic nations. However, membership in these institutions cannot be taken for granted. Effective NATO membership takes effort and comes at a price. The first Baltic soldiers have sacrificed their lives in Iraq, evidence of the determined commitment the new NATO members are ready to make. Many international issues related to the Baltics are being addressed by multilateral institutions - the Baltic Assembly, the Nordic Council, the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, and the Council of Baltic Sea States (Estonia has the presidency through 2004). The United States has also been actively involved in helping the Baltic countries to stay on their course of freedom and prosperity through the auspices of the U.S.-Baltic Partnership Charter, signed in 1998, and then through the Northern European Initiative (NEI). 10

Since the fall of 2003, NEI has been restructured to address a changed American approach to the Baltic region. The new Enhanced Partnership in Northern Europe (ePINE) brings the U.S. together with the three Baltic and five Nordic (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden) nations to focus on questions of cooperative security, healthy societies, and vibrant economies. JBANC also believes that increased cooperation and the sharing of information is needed between the U.S. and the Baltics regarding trade, investments, tourism, culture, and sports. Unfortunately, the FY05 Budget contains no funding provision for e-PINE. JBANC supports a $2 million line item for the program. 3.4.1

Trade and aid

Two primary sources of federal funding to the Baltics include the Foreign Military Financing (FMF) and International Military English Training (IMET) programs. Adequate financing for these programs will be sought from the U.S. Congress and Administration. Other aid requests will be made to the U.S. Defense Department for modern weaponry and technology, as well as to other federal agencies for traditional aid for civil society needs. JBANC is convinced that because of the global war on terrorism, military aid should not be reduced to the Baltic countries since they have proven to be reliable contributors to that war and will require outside help to maintain their professional presence in various conflict zones. Another concern for JBANC is the closing of the Central and Eastern Europe Business Information Center (CEEBIC) of the U.S. Commerce Department in Riga and the elimination of the position of U.S. Commercial Officer to the Baltics at the end of FY 2004. Trade, business cooperation, and partnerships are natural steps forward for U.S.Baltic relations. If these closures go forward as planned, American commercial interests in the Baltics will suffer. 3.4.2

U.S. public diplomacy

The tragic events of September 11, 2001 have had a great impact on the U.S. international and domestic agenda and thus on the Baltic-American community. The war on terrorism has meant new engagements on a global scale and a focus on the Middle East, which has meant the curtailing of U.S. public diplomacy efforts in Europe. The decrease in resources for U.S. public diplomacy in the Baltics, the creeping antiAmericanism there, and the increased Russian propaganda and covert actions to undermine the Baltic governments are very real and important concerns. JBANC opposed the cessation of U.S. international broadcasting to the Baltics, which was terminated in early 2004. It felt that, despite the freedom of the media in the Baltics, this was premature. JBANC is further alarmed by continued cuts to Voice of America (VOA) and Radio Free Liberty (RFL) broadcasts to Belarus, Ukraine and other countries of the region. The flow of independent and objective information into politically vulnerable neighboring regions under authoritarian, anti-democratic rule is 11

being slowed to a trickle. America’s voice is being silenced. 3.4.3

• • • • 3.5

Action steps

Seek funding (target of $2 million) in Congress for Enhanced Partnership in Northern Europe (e-PINE) Increase cooperation and the sharing of information between the U.S. and the Baltics regarding trade, investment, tourism, and sports Seek sufficient aid for military and other programs in the Baltics Work to improve U.S. public diplomacy and resources for the Baltics Expand relations and cooperation with other ethnic organizations and political groups in the U.S. and the Baltics

JBANC’s greatest resource is its ability to combine the efforts of one million BalticAmericans to forge a close relationship between this constituency and their representatives in Congress and the executive branch. JBANC has established close contacts with congressional offices and has helped to expand the Congressional Baltic Caucuses to include over 80 members in both the House and Senate. In addition, JBANC has established a wide network of friends and supporters through organizations like the Central and East European Coalition (CEEC), which has been in existence for over a decade and unites over 20 million voting Americans of Central and Eastern European descent. JBANC has also actively reached out to the National Guards of Maryland, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, which have relationships with the Defense Forces of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, respectively. The Maryland relationship has blossomed further into cooperation with the MarylandBaltic Educational Consortium, which promotes academic, civic, and business activity in the Baltics. JBANC is committed to expanding its relations and cooperation with other ethnic organizations and political groups including those of Central and East European heritage to address important issues related but not limited to transatlantic cooperation, U.S.-Russian relations, political security, immigration and visas, and other issues. Besides contacts with JBANC’s three parent organizations, and associated regional, statewide, and local organizations, close cooperation continues with the Lithuanian American Community, Baltic American Freedom League and the U.S.-Baltic Foundation. Although JBANC has a stable base of funding from its three member organizations, the organizations themselves depend primarily upon contributions from their respective publics. Ever since the Baltics regained their freedom, those contributions, understandably, have decreased. After the successful NATO and EU accession of the Baltics, the future of Baltic-American political organizations and their representative communities needs attention. What is needed is a vision for the future in order to maintain and galvanize a base of support. 12

To increase the effectiveness of Baltic-American organizations, greater coordination and cooperation among them is critical. JBANC will seek to elevate the degree of coordination and partnership among these organizations. There should also be greater cooperation between Baltic-American organizations and NGOs in the Baltic countries. JBANC has good relationships with the three Baltic embassies in Washington, hosting quarterly meetings since 1998 to exchange information. JBANC has a budding relationship with the Baltic Assembly and is developing one with the weekly Englishlanguage newspaper “The Baltic Times”. JBANC is in regular contact with organizations such as the NATO Parliamentary Assembly on issues related to security and civil society in the Baltics and Europe. 3.5.1

• • • • • • 3.6

Action steps

Continue effective cooperation with the Central and East European Coalition (CEEC) Explore ways to increase cooperation with the Maryland-Baltic Educational Consortium in order to improve and help fund JBANC educational and outreach programs Facilitate greater cooperation among Baltic-American organizations and NGO’s in the Baltic countries Maintain good relationships with the three Baltic embassies in Washington and continue hosting quarterly meetings where Baltic-American organizations can exchange information with embassy staffs Build relationships with institutions such as the Baltic Assembly and NATO Parliamentary Assembly and newspapers such as “The Baltic Times” and other media in both the U.S. and in the Baltics Stay involved in the U.S. political process, especially the presidential and congressional elections Provide accurate information and timely policy analysis regarding Baltic affairs in the U.S. and abroad

JBANC’s primary mission is to be an advocate for Baltic-Americans and their communities in the U.S. One of the traditional instruments for doing this has been a biannual conference, which brings together scholars, students, politicians, government representatives, journalists, and community activists from both sides of the Atlantic. JBANC would like to extend and expand that advocacy role to also provide timely and accurate policy analysis and information regarding Baltic affairs in the U.S. and abroad through think tank development.

13

3.6.1

• •

Action steps

Fund JBANC representative in the Baltics who will help coordinate JBANC activities there and provide vital information and analysis for JBANC programs in the U.S. Organize a JBANC conference in the spring of 2005 which would address in greater detail and sophistication some of the major topics of this White Paper

In order to accomplish these ambitious goals, JBANC will need whole-hearted support from its constituent organizations as well as others concerned with freedom, democracy, security, and economic well-being in the Baltic countries.

4.0 JBANC CONTACT INFORMATION JOINT BALTIC AMERICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE, INC. BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2004-2005 Saulius Kuprys, President of Lithuanian American Council – JBANC President Ramunas Kondratas, Representative of Lithuanian American Council – Chairman Henry Gaidis, Representative of Lithuanian American Council Mati Kõiva, President of Estonian American National Council – JBANC Secretary Lya Karm, Representative of Estonian American National Council Dace Copeland, President of American Latvian Association – JBANC Treasurer Janis Bolsteins, Representative of American Latvian Association Peteris Blumbergs, Representative of American Latvian Association STAFF Karl Altau, Managing Director Rockville, MD 20850 E-mail: [email protected] Tel: 301-340-1954 Fax: 301-309-1406 Simonas Girdzijauskas, Program Director Vilnius, Lithuania E-mail: [email protected] Rojs Dauburs, Webmaster E-mail:[email protected]

Elina Spule, 2004 Summer Intern E-mail: [email protected]

JBANC 400 Hurley Ave. Rockville, MD 20850 http://jbanc.org 14