Joint Baltic American National Committee

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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, MarylandSeptember 2004
http://jbanc.org/http://jbanc.org/


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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The purpose of this White Paper is to present a vision and plan for future Baltic-American political activity following Baltic accession to NATO and the EuropeanUnion.

Since 1961, the Joint Baltic American National Committee, Inc. (JBANC) has beensuccessful in advocating the Baltic-American agenda with Congress, the White House,the State Department, and other federal agencies. With the restoration of independenceto the Baltic countries and now their accession into NATO and the EU, JBANC andother Baltic-American organizations need to re-examine their roles, assess the politicalsituation, and plan for the future.

In brief outline, JBANC will actively work on the following initiatives. The list is notprioritized.

1) Bear witness to the legacy of communisma) Pass a congressional resolution condemning the crimes of communism and

seeking an apology from Russiab) Build a memorial to the victims of communism in Washington, DC, near Capitol

Hill, and establish on the Internet an interactive virtual museum, which willprovide visitors a gateway to the legacy of communist crimes and witnessmemories

2) Export democracy and the Baltic experience beyond the Balticsa) Promote passage of the Belarus Democracy Act in Congressb) Support democracy movements in Belarus, Ukraine, Moldova, and the Caucasus

Republics

c) Seek removal of Russian troops from Moldova and Georgia3) Engage Russia in social, political, and economic dialogue

a) Defend the Baltics, especially Estonia and Latvia, from unjust accusationsconcerning their Russian-speaking minorities

b) Debate the future of Kaliningrad, seeking the goal of demilitarization, andpointing out the disastrous health (HIV/AIDS and TB) and environmentalconditions there, and their threat to the public health of the region

c) Scrutinize the environmental threats posed by Russian oil drilling off Balticcoastlands

d) Monitor the efforts of Russia to control the Baltic energy sector and its use ofthat power for political leverage and economic blackmail

4) Strengthen transatlantic integration, regional cooperation and U.S. engagement inthe Balticsa) 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 sportsc) Obtain sufficient funding for military and other programs in the Balticsd) Work to improve U.S. public diplomacy and resources in the Baltics


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5) Expand relations and cooperation with other ethnic organizations and politicalgroups in the U.S. and the Balticsa) 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 outreachprograms

c) Facilitate greater cooperation between Baltic-American organizations andNGOs in the Baltic countries

d) Maintain good relationships with the three Baltic embassies in Washington andcontinue hosting quarterly meetings where Baltic-American organizations canexchange 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 inthe U.S. and abroada) Fund a JBANC representative in the Baltics who will help coordinate JBANC

activities there and provide vital information and analysis for JBANC programsin the U.S.

b) Organize a JBANC conference in the spring of 2005 which would address ingreater detail and sophistication some of the major topics of this White Paper


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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 ................................................. 63.1.1 Condemn the crimes of communism ............................................................. 63.1.2 Memorialize the victims of communism........................................................ 7

3.1.3 Action steps................................................................................................... 7

3.2 EXPORT DEMOCRACY AND THE BALTIC EXPERIENCE BEYOND THE BALTICS....83.2.1 Belarus.......................................................................................................... 8

3.2.2 Ukraine ......................................................................................................... 8

3.2.3 Moldova ........................................................................................................ 8

3.2.4 The Caucasus Republics ............................................................................... 83.2.5 Action steps................................................................................................... 9

3.3 ENGAGE RUSSIA IN SOCIAL, POLITICAL, AND ECONOMIC DIALOGUE ....................93.3.1 Kaliningrad................................................................................................... 93.3.2 Environment and energy............................................................................. 10

3.3.3 Action steps................................................................................................. 10

3.4 STRENGTHEN TRANSATLANTIC INTEGRATION AND REGIONAL COOPERATION .... 103.4.1 Trade and aid.............................................................................................. 11

3.4.2 U.S. public diplomacy................................................................................. 11

3.4.3 Action steps................................................................................................. 123.5 EXPAND RELATIONS AND COOPERATION WITH OTHER ETHNIC ORGANIZATIONS

AND POLITICAL GROUPS IN THE U.S. AND THE BALTICS................................................ 123.5.1 Action steps................................................................................................. 13

3.6 PROVIDE ACCURATE INFORMATION AND TIMELY POLICY ANALYSIS REGARDINGBALTIC AFFAIRS IN THE U.S. AND ABROAD .................................................................. 13

3.6.1 Action steps................................................................................................. 14

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


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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 EuropeanUnion accession? Given that membership in these international organizations will

provide the Baltic countries with military and economic security through regionalintegration, mutual defense policies, and economic co-dependency, what more canBaltic-Americans do to help their countries of heritage and fellow constituents in theU.S.?

While our constituencies main priorities of the last ten years, NATO and EUmembership, have been achieved, there is still much important work for JBANC andother 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. Russiastill struggles with its imperial legacy and seeks to maintain its interests in the nearabroad by actively attempting to exercise influence and control by various means,

notably through the energy sector. The heavily militarized region of Kaliningrad and theauthoritarian regime in Belarus are other threats to the Baltics.

2.0 HISTORICAL OVERVIEW

JBANC was founded in 1961, uniting three main organizations representing the Balticcommunities in the United States. Its purpose was to address issues vital to the Balticcountries and, most importantly, the restoration of their independence. Due in large partto the U.S. policy of non-recognition of the illegal occupation and annexation of thesethree countries by the Soviet Union, a glimmer of hope for restored independence waskept alive throughout the decades of the Cold War.

From the 1960s to the 1990s, JBANC focused on a wide range of issues. Some of themore prominent included advising the Commission on Security and Cooperation inEurope (the U.S. Helsinki Commission) on human rights and related concerns, raisingawareness of the plight of Baltic dissidents, and supporting U.S. internationalbroadcasting to the Baltics. Most importantly, JBANC was in the forefront of keepingalive the idea of independence for Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania in the corridors ofpower in Washington, DC. Contacts were established and maintained with Members ofCongress and pertinent offices in the White House, the State Department, and otherfederal agencies. These relationships proved invaluable during the crucial time leadingup to the fall of the Soviet Union and restoration of Baltic independence. With

JBANCs presence in Washington, DC, it was easier to act quickly and effectively inmobilizing 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 thefunctioning of the organization and gives JBANC and the Baltic-American communityan advantage over other ethnic American groups, most of which do not have full-timestaff, especially in Washington DC, and whose work is consequently of a more sporadic


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nature. JBANC has been one of the most effective ethnic political organizations in thenations capital.

In 1991, the organizations primary objective of restored independence for the Balticswas achieved, thanks in part to the strong support and advocacy efforts of the Baltic-

American communities. With independence restored, JBANC and other Balticorganizations 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 of1994 began the decade-long campaign to secure Baltic admission to NATO. A majorfirst 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 toaddress. Given Russias unpredictability, the political existence of the Baltics mayremain uncertain in the long run, necessitating continued monitoring and action fromconcerned 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 Sovietcommunism. Since the days of Baltic independence in 1918, there were efforts byMoscow to destabilize legitimate Baltic governments. Together with Nazi Germany,Soviet Russia sought control of Central and Eastern Europe through the Molotov-

Ribbentrop Pact and its secret protocols of August 1939. The Soviet Union coerced thethree Baltic governments in 1939 to cede military bases and then, in 1940, to forfeitsovereignty. Mass murders and deportations to the Siberian gulags followed. The U.Sdid 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 in1991, the Russian Federation, as the successor state of the USSR, has refused to admitthat the occupation and annexation of the three Baltic countries was an illegal andforced 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 ofCzechoslovakia in 1968. Despite these welcome gestures of contrition, Moscow seemsto be in denial about the brutal Soviet occupation of the Baltics.

JBANC continues to bring to light facts about the illegal Soviet takeover and foreigncommunist rule in the Baltics. We feel this is absolutely necessary to help Russia cometo terms with its past, and to adopt a more friendly, politically responsible, and maturerelationship with the Baltic countries.


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There appears to be growing support in Europe for some sort of formal condemnation ofthe crimes of communism. A resolution introduced by the Council of Europe last yearseeks 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 effortcould conceivably be coupled with the one in Europe, thus having two similar effortsgoing on both sides of the Atlantic.

Along the same lines, in May of this year, a White Book requesting an apology andapproximately $104 billion in reparations for damages caused by the Soviet-eraoccupation 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 recordmade 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 ofEurope and other institutions and will follow the proceedings in the Estonian Parliamentand 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 ofcommunism is meeting with success. The Victims of Communism MemorialFoundation is collecting funds and materials to erect a memorial in Washington, DCnear Capitol Hill by early 2005. Efforts are also underway to establish on the Internetan interactive virtual museum, which will provide visitors a gateway to the legacy of

communist crimes and witness memories. An organizing committee has conductedsuccessful fundraisers and is reaching out to the ethnic communities and key membersof Congress and the Administration. President George W. Bush is the HonoraryChairman of the effort.

JBANC has supported and advanced the efforts of the victims of communism. Ourorganization is convinced that with memorials to most other horrific deeds of the pastalready in place, it is time for this memorial to the costliest example of man'sinhumanity to man. JBANC Managing Director Karl Altau was named in January 2004to 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 andseeking an apology from Russia

Build a memorial to the victims of communism in Washington, DC, near CapitolHill, and establish on the Internet an interactive virtual museum, which willprovide visitors a gateway to the legacy of communist crimes and witnessmemories


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3.2 Export democracy and the Baltic Experience beyond the Baltics

An international conference in Riga, Latvia, in February 2004 re-emphasized thegeographical areas of particular concern for the Baltic countries - the neighborhood tothe east and south. The development of stable democracies in Belarus, Ukraine,

Moldova, and the Caucasus is critical for stable development and security of the Balticregion. With Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia in NATO and the EU, efforts need to bemade 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 andauthorizes a significant sum of money toward democracy-building programs in thatcountry. 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 beconsidered a referendum on President Aleksandr Lukashenkas repressive rule and will be a test for his opposition, which must overcome the governments coercion,intimidation, and oppression.

3.2.2 Ukraine

Ukraine will hold presidential elections in 2004 as well. Its fragile democracy rests onwhether President Leonid Kuchma will seek an unconstitutional third consecutive term

in office. His continued presence could severely jeopardize the economic, political, andmost importantly, the judicial reform of the country. Kuchma has shown repressivetendencies. 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 betweenWestern and Eastern Europe. Due to its geopolitical importance, Ukraine must notbecome another failed state.

3.2.3 Moldova

Parts of Moldova are occupied by Russian troops. If Russian-endorsed plans todestabilize the unity of Moldova were to succeed, it would legitimize the corruptTransdniester enclave in that region, creating a continued haven for drug, weapons andhuman 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 conflictbetween Azerbaijan and Armenia. With a Trans-Caucasian oil pipeline being built fromthe Caspian Sea to the Black Sea, the U.S. should be particularly concerned about


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However, there are other serious concerns related to Kaliningrad beside the militaryissue. These relate to the disastrous social and economic situation of the region. Thelack 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 itsneighbors 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 just20 miles off the protected coast of Lithuania raises the specter of environmentaldisaster. Russia has control of oil imports to and through Baltic ports, and uses itsposition of power as political leverage. Many cases of economic blackmail have beenobserved during the last decade, including the energy blockade of Lithuania in 1990 andthe 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 Action steps

Defend the Baltics, especially Estonia and Latvia, from unjust accusationsconcerning the status of their Russian-speaking minorities

Debate the future of Kaliningrad, seeking the goal of demilitarization, andpointing out the disastrous health (HIV/AIDS and TB) and environmentalconditions there, and their threat to the public health of the region

Scrutinize the environmental threats posed by Russian drilling of oil off Balticcoastlands

Monitor the efforts of Russia to control the Baltic energy sector and its use ofthat power for political leverage and economic blackmail

3.4 Strengthen transatlantic integration and regional cooperation

With enlargement of NATO and the EU to the Baltics, transatlantic integration andregional cooperation have risen to a new level. The countries can now look forward tostability, 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 havesacrificed 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 multilateralinstitutions - the Baltic Assembly, the Nordic Council, the NATO ParliamentaryAssembly, and the Council of Baltic Sea States (Estonia has the presidency through2004). The United States has also been actively involved in helping the Baltic countriesto stay on their course of freedom and prosperity through the auspices of the U.S.-BalticPartnership Charter, signed in 1998, and then through the Northern European Initiative(NEI).


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being slowed to a trickle. Americas voice is being silenced.

3.4.3 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

3.5 Expand relations and cooperation with other ethnic organizationsand political groups in the U.S. and the Baltics

JBANCs greatest resource is its ability to combine the efforts of one million Baltic-

Americans to forge a close relationship between this constituency and theirrepresentatives in Congress and the executive branch.JBANC has established close contacts with congressional offices and has helped toexpand the Congressional Baltic Caucuses to include over 80 members in both theHouse and Senate. In addition, JBANC has established a wide network of friends andsupporters through organizations like the Central and East European Coalition (CEEC),which has been in existence for over a decade and unites over 20 million votingAmericans of Central and Eastern European descent. JBANC has also actively reachedout to the National Guards of Maryland, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, which haverelationships with the Defense Forces of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, respectively.

The Maryland relationship has blossomed further into cooperation with the Maryland-Baltic Educational Consortium, which promotes academic, civic, and business activityin the Baltics.

JBANC is committed to expanding its relations and cooperation with other ethnicorganizations and political groups including those of Central and East Europeanheritage 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 JBANCs three parent organizations, and associated regional,statewide, and local organizations, close cooperation continues with the LithuanianAmerican Community, Baltic American Freedom League and the U.S.-Baltic

Foundation.

Although JBANC has a stable base of funding from its three member organizations, theorganizations 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 theBaltics, the future of Baltic-American political organizations and their representativecommunities needs attention. What is needed is a vision for the future in order tomaintain and galvanize a base of support.


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To increase the effectiveness of Baltic-American organizations, greater coordinationand cooperation among them is critical. JBANC will seek to elevate the degree ofcoordination and partnership among these organizations. There should also be greatercooperation between Baltic-American organizations and NGOs in the Baltic countries.

JBANC has good relationships with the three Baltic embassies in Washington, hostingquarterly meetings since 1998 to exchange information. JBANC has a buddingrelationship with the Baltic Assembly and is developing one with the weekly English-language newspaper The Baltic Times. JBANC is in regular contact withorganizations such as the NATO Parliamentary Assembly on issues related to securityand civil society in the Baltics and Europe.

3.5.1 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 outreachprograms

Facilitate greater cooperation among Baltic-American organizations and NGOsin the Baltic countries

Maintain good relationships with the three Baltic embassies in Washington andcontinue hosting quarterly meetings where Baltic-American organizations canexchange information with embassy staffs

Build relationships with institutions such as the Baltic Assembly and NATOParliamentary 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

3.6 Provide accurate information and timely policy analysis regardingBaltic affairs in the U.S. and abroad

JBANCs primary mission is to be an advocate for Baltic-Americans and theircommunities in the U.S. One of the traditional instruments for doing this has been abiannual conference, which brings together scholars, students, politicians, governmentrepresentatives, journalists, and community activists from both sides of the Atlantic.

JBANC would like to extend and expand that advocacy role to also provide timely andaccurate policy analysis and information regarding Baltic affairs in the U.S. and abroadthrough think tank development.


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3.6.1 Action steps

Fund JBANC representative in the Baltics who will help coordinate JBANCactivities there and provide vital information and analysis for JBANC programsin the U.S.

Organize a JBANC conference in the spring of 2005 which would address ingreater detail and sophistication some of the major topics of this White Paper

In order to accomplish these ambitious goals, JBANC will need whole-hearted supportfrom 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 PresidentRamunas Kondratas, Representative of Lithuanian American Council ChairmanHenry Gaidis, Representative of Lithuanian American Council

Mati Kiva, President of Estonian American National Council JBANC SecretaryLya Karm, Representative of Estonian American National Council

Dace Copeland, President of American Latvian Association JBANC TreasurerJanis Bolsteins, Representative of American Latvian AssociationPeteris Blumbergs, Representative of American Latvian Association

STAFF

Karl Altau, Managing DirectorRockville, MD 20850E-mail: [email protected]: 301-340-1954Fax: 301-309-1406

Simonas Girdzijauskas, Program DirectorVilnius, Lithuania

E-mail: [email protected]

Rojs Dauburs, Webmaster Elina Spule, 2004 Summer InternE-mail:[email protected] E-mail: [email protected]

JBANC

400 Hurley Ave.Rockville, MD 20850http://jbanc.org
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://jbanc.org/http://jbanc.org/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]

Documents

Joint Baltic American National Committee