Today Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius met with the visiting delegation from the United States House of Representatives in Vilnius. The Congress delegation represents the Transatlantic Dialogue between the United States and Europe. In a friendly and warm atmosphere, the meeting discussed a number of issues, such as bilateral relations, international situation, prospects for global economic recovery and Jewish heritage in Lithuania.

Prime Minister A. Kubilius reiterated Lithuania’s long-standing commitment to be a strategic partner of the United States in strengthening democratic values, peace and security in different parts of the world. Shelly Berkly, head of the Congress delegation, noted that the visit of the members of House of Representatives to Lithuania might be viewed both as a token of appreciation to the Lithuanian Government and its people for their support to the United States and NATO missions in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as a token of support to the Lithuanian position in the face of Russia’s aggression against Georgia.

On this occasion, A. Kubilius said that the United States and the EU should help Russia avoid making mistakes, primarily for Russia’s benefit itself. Referring to the global economy recession and its impact on Lithuania, A. Kubilius was certain that Lithuania would overcome economic hardships and that the difficult years would offer a good chance for politicians to come to agreement and finally launch long-awaited but vital reforms.

The delegation, in turn, praised the Lithuanian Government for its resolute actions to reduce the budget deficit in the face of global financial and economic crisis. In response to the questions of several Congress members regarding the restitution of Jewish communal property in Lithuania, Prime Minister A. Kubilius expressed regret for the failure of the former Governments to keep their promises and their delay in addressing the restitution issues and informed the delegation members that the draft law providing for the restitution of Jewish communal property was in progress and would be submitted to the Seimas in the very near future.