Lithuania's New Leader to Stay Pro-West
2 hours, 17 minutes ago
By LIUDAS DAPKUS, Associated Press Writer
VILNIUS, Lithuania - Military planes roared and helicopters clattered over Lithuania's capital Wednesday as former stunt pilot Rolandas Paksas became the country's third president since it gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.
Paksas, 46, won a surprise victory in Lithuania's presidential runoff last month, defeating incumbent Valdas Adamkus, a 76-year-old former U.S. citizen who was the overwhelming favorite.
Paksas said he would continue his predecessor's pro-West stance that saw the Baltic state gain invitations to the European Union (news - web sites) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
"Together with other allies we will protect the security of Europe and the world," Paksas told some 600 dignitaries, including Adamkus, during his inaugural speech at parliament. "Safe, wealthy, influential and responsible: this is my vision of Lithuania."
Paksas urged the country's 2.7 million eligible voters to give their approval to EU membership in a referendum set for May 11. Lithuania was invited to join the expanding 15-nation bloc in December.
He also said Lithuania would join NATO (news - web sites) next year.
Paksas, who was prime minister in 1999 and again in 2000, finished his speech by quoting former President Kennedy's inaugural remarks, asking Lithuanians to "ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country."
Flag-waving crowds lined the streets and squares in Vilnius as a motorcade took Paksas to the presidential palace.
"This is the great day for our country," said 54-year-old Danute Kairiene, a school teacher. "We have a new president, and people trust him."
In Lithuania's parliamentary system, the president is not involved in the day-to-day running of the country but plays a critical role in forming new governments.
Adamkus, who lived in Chicago for more than 50 years, has said he would remain in Lithuania. He gave up U.S. citizenship after he was elected president in 1998.
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