Lithuania in the News
17th February 2008
Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher Honoured by President Adamkus of Lithuania
Lady Thatcher receiving her award from President Adamkus
Prime Minister Gordon Brown and President Adamkus
During a special reception in London to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the declaration of Lithuania’s independence, Lithuania’s President Valdas Adamkus presented Margaret Thatcher, Britain’s distinguished former Prime Minister (1979 - 1990), with an award in recognition of her contribution to the cause of Lithuania’s independence. In presenting the award President Adamkus declared:

"Lady Thatcher, your great courage to stand against tyranny and injustice was an inspiration and a hope for many Lithuanians during the last decade of Soviet oppression. My nation will always be grateful to you and to the British people for the continuous support for our independence."

In response Lady Thatcher stated that to see Lithuania now a member of NATO and the European Union, after years of oppression, gave her special joy. "I am especially honoured by this award and thank all the people of Lithuania".
President Adamkus meeting the chairs of Lithuania All-Party Parliamentary Group,
Roger Berry (middle)and Lord Bowness (extreme right).
On extreme left - Vygaudas Uðackas, Lithuania’s Ambassador to Britain
During his working visit to Britain 13 -15 February 2008, President Adamkus met with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Foreign Minister David Miliband and chairs of the Lithuania All-Party Parliamentary Group, Roger Berry and Lord Bowness. Discussed were bilateral relations, European Union and international politics. He also attended a working luncheon with the London’s Lord Mayor David Lewis and London’s business community, delivered a lecture at the London School of Economics and Political Science and dined with LSE leadership and members of the UK Government.
On February 15 President Adamkus was received in audience by HM Queen Elizabeth II.

Photos - Courtesy President of Lithuanian website
Further information: President of Lithuania website - www.president.lt
www.lrytas.lt 13/02/08, 14/02/08, 15/02/08