In the statement by U.S. President Barack Obama on the 10th Anniversary of the Community of Democracies that was released on 3 July, the President commended Lithuania for its Presidency of the Community and efforts to focus on the pressing challenges of today.
In the statement by U.S. President Barack Obama on the 10th Anniversary of the Community of Democracies that was released on 3 July, the President commended Lithuania for its Presidency of the Community and efforts to focus on the pressing challenges of today.
Among the challenges, the U.S. President mentions growing threats to civil society, the empowerment of women, as well as the linkages between poverty, democracy, and development.
According to President B.Obama, the Community of Democracies reflects the determination of its member states to work together for the promotion and strengthening of democracy around the world. The United States remains firmly committed to supporting the organization’s efforts to advance democratic values and institutions, the President said in his statement.
To commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the Community of Democracies, the High Level Democracy Meeting was held on 3 July in Krakow and 75 governmental representatives from around the world participated in it, including Lithuania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Audronius Ažubalis, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and President of the European Parliament Jerzy Buzek.
In Krakow, Lithuania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs said that the world’s democratic community was facing numerous challenges in implementing common goals, and that the economic downturn caused new threats to democracy worldwide. According to Minister A.Ažubalis, democracy-building required serious and concerted efforts of the world’s entire community.
Lithuania is chairing the Community of Democracies in 2009-2011.