In the Welles Declaration, a document of crucial importance to Lithuania, the United States stated that it did not recognize the annexation of the Baltic States, launching a five decade non-recognition policy of the occupation of the Baltic States.
"The highly principled position of the United States not to recognize the forced annexation of the Baltic States sent a message to the whole world that no right can be obtained by force. Regrettably, today we see again that the same neighbor is using force to attain the right to the territory of other nations. Therefore, Lithuania is proud of those countries who have held freedom as a value for 75 years and who continue defending it," the President said.
The President underlined that the values enshrined in the Welles Declaration are now more relevant than ever not only to Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova, but also to the Baltic countries.
"We are grateful to our partner and friend, the United States, who helped Lithuania retain faith, endure occupation and whose support we feel today," the President told the participants of the festive gathering in Washington Square in Vilnius.
By issuing the Welles Declaration on 23 July 1940 and refusing to recognize the annexation of the Baltics, the United States helped Lithuania preserve a number of its diplomatic representations and ensure that our country's voice was heard throughout the entire period of occupation.
More than fifty countries supported the Welles Declaration and did not recognize the annexation of the Baltic States.
