Joint Baltic American National Committee

Representing the:

Estonian American National Council, Inc.

American Latvian Association, Inc.
Lithuanian American Council, Inc.

BALTIC-AMERICAN POLITICAL ACTIVITY:

A VISION FOR THE FUTURE

Joint Baltic American National Committee (JBANC)

http://jbanc.org
Rockville, Maryland
September 2004
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The purpose of this White Paper is to present a vision and plan for future Baltic-
American political activity following Baltic accession to NATO and the European
Union.

Since 1961, the Joint Baltic American National Committee, Inc. (JBANC) has been
successful in advocating the Baltic-American agenda with Congress, the White House,
the State Department, and other federal agencies. With the restoration of independence
to the Baltic countries and now their accession into NATO and the EU, JBANC and
other Baltic-American organizations need to re-examine their roles, assess the political
situation, and plan for the future.

In brief outline, JBANC will actively work on the following initiatives. The list is not
prioritized.

1) Bear witness to the legacy of communism

a) Pass a congressional resolution condemning the crimes of communism and
seeking an apology from Russia
b) Build a memorial to the victims of communism in Washington, DC, near Capitol
Hill, and establish on the Internet an interactive virtual museum, which will
provide visitors a gateway to the legacy of communist crimes and witness
memories
2) Export democracy and “the Baltic experience” beyond the Baltics
a) Promote passage of the Belarus Democracy Act in Congress
b) Support democracy movements in Belarus, Ukraine, Moldova, and the Caucasus
Republics
c) Seek removal of Russian troops from Moldova and Georgia
3) Engage Russia in social, political, and economic dialogue
a) Defend the Baltics, especially Estonia and Latvia, from unjust accusations
concerning their Russian-speaking minorities
b) Debate the future of Kaliningrad, seeking the goal of demilitarization, and
pointing out the disastrous health (HIV/AIDS and TB) and environmental
conditions there, and their threat to the public health of the region
c) Scrutinize the environmental threats posed by Russian oil drilling off Baltic
coastlands
d) Monitor the efforts of Russia to control the Baltic energy sector and its use of
that power for political leverage and economic blackmail
4) Strengthen transatlantic integration, regional cooperation and U.S. engagement in
the Baltics
a) Seek funding (target of $2 million) in Congress for the Enhanced Partnership in
Northern Europe (e-PINE)
b) Increase cooperation and the sharing of information between the U.S. and the
Baltics regarding trade, investment, tourism, culture, and sports
c) Obtain sufficient funding for military and other programs in the Baltics
d) Work to improve U.S. public diplomacy and resources in the Baltics

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5) Expand relations and cooperation with other ethnic organizations and political
groups in the U.S. and the Baltics
a) Continue effective cooperation with the Central and East European Coalition
(CEEC)
b) Explore ways to increase cooperation with the Maryland-Baltic Educational
Consortium in order to improve and help fund JBANC educational and outreach
programs
c) Facilitate greater cooperation between Baltic-American organizations and
NGO’s in the Baltic countries
d) Maintain good relationships with the three Baltic embassies in Washington and
continue hosting quarterly meetings where Baltic-American organizations can
exchange information with embassy staffs
e) Build relationships with the Baltic Assembly, “The Baltic Times” newspaper,
and other media and institutions in the Baltics
f) Stay involved with the Baltic Caucuses in the House and Senate and in the U.S.
political process, especially the presidential and Congressional elections
6) Provide accurate information and timely policy analysis regarding Baltic affairs in
the U.S. and abroad
a) Fund a JBANC representative in the Baltics who will help coordinate JBANC
activities there and provide vital information and analysis for JBANC programs
in the U.S.
b) Organize a JBANC conference in the spring of 2005 which would address in
greater detail and sophistication some of the major topics of this White Paper

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CONTENTS

1.0 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................ 5

2.0 HISTORICAL OVERVIEW ............................................................................... 5

3.0 SPECIFIC PROJECTS AND ACTION STEPS................................................ 6

3.1 BEAR WITNESS TO THE LEGACY OF COMMUNISM ................................................. 6
3.1.1 Condemn the crimes of communism ............................................................. 6
3.1.2 Memorialize the victims of communism........................................................ 7
3.1.3 Action steps................................................................................................... 7
3.2 EXPORT DEMOCRACY AND “THE BALTIC EXPERIENCE” BEYOND THE BALTICS .... 8
3.2.1 Belarus.......................................................................................................... 8
3.2.2 Ukraine ......................................................................................................... 8
3.2.3 Moldova ........................................................................................................ 8
3.2.4 The Caucasus Republics ............................................................................... 8
3.2.5 Action steps................................................................................................... 9
3.3 ENGAGE RUSSIA IN SOCIAL, POLITICAL, AND ECONOMIC DIALOGUE .................... 9
3.3.1 Kaliningrad................................................................................................... 9
3.3.2 Environment and energy............................................................................. 10
3.3.3 Action steps................................................................................................. 10
3.4 STRENGTHEN TRANSATLANTIC INTEGRATION AND REGIONAL COOPERATION .... 10
3.4.1 Trade and aid.............................................................................................. 11
3.4.2 U.S. public diplomacy................................................................................. 11
3.4.3 Action steps................................................................................................. 12
3.5 EXPAND RELATIONS AND COOPERATION WITH OTHER ETHNIC ORGANIZATIONS
AND POLITICAL GROUPS IN THE U.S. AND THE BALTICS................................................ 12
3.5.1 Action steps................................................................................................. 13
3.6 PROVIDE ACCURATE INFORMATION AND TIMELY POLICY ANALYSIS REGARDING
BALTIC AFFAIRS IN THE U.S. AND ABROAD .................................................................. 13
3.6.1 Action steps................................................................................................. 14
4.0 JBANC CONTACT INFORMATION ............................................................. 14

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1.0 INTRODUCTION
What should be the role of the Joint Baltic American National Committee, Inc.
(JBANC) and other Baltic-American political organizations after NATO and European
Union accession? Given that membership in these international organizations will
provide the Baltic countries with military and economic security through regional
integration, mutual defense policies, and economic co-dependency, what more can
Baltic-Americans do to help their countries of heritage and fellow constituents in the
U.S.?

While our constituencies’ main priorities of the last ten years, NATO and EU
membership, have been achieved, there is still much important work for JBANC and
other U.S.-Baltic political groups to do in safeguarding Baltic sovereignty and security.
The Baltic region is positioned between East and West on the geopolitical map. Russia
still struggles with its imperial legacy and seeks to maintain its interests in the “near
abroad” by actively attempting to exercise influence and control by various means,
notably through the energy sector. The heavily militarized region of Kaliningrad and the
authoritarian regime in Belarus are other threats to the Baltics.

2.0 HISTORICAL OVERVIEW

JBANC was founded in 1961, uniting three main organizations representing the Baltic
communities in the United States. Its purpose was to address issues vital to the Baltic
countries and, most importantly, the restoration of their independence. Due in large part
to the U.S. policy of non-recognition of the illegal occupation and annexation of these
three countries by the Soviet Union, a glimmer of hope for restored independence was
kept alive throughout the decades of the Cold War.

From the 1960’s to the 1990’s, JBANC focused on a wide range of issues. Some of the
more prominent included advising the Commission on Security and Cooperation in
Europe (the U.S. Helsinki Commission) on human rights and related concerns, raising
awareness of the plight of Baltic dissidents, and supporting U.S. international
broadcasting to the Baltics. Most importantly, JBANC was in the forefront of keeping
alive the idea of independence for Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania in the corridors of
power in Washington, DC. Contacts were established and maintained with Members of
Congress and pertinent offices in the White House, the State Department, and other
federal agencies. These relationships proved invaluable during the crucial time leading
up to the fall of the Soviet Union and restoration of Baltic independence. With
JBANC’s presence in Washington, DC, it was easier to act quickly and effectively in
mobilizing support for the Baltic cause than would otherwise have been the case.

JBANC first hired full-time professional staff in 1975, enabling it to provide a

permanent physical Baltic presence in Washington. This is a key element in the
functioning of the organization and gives JBANC and the Baltic-American community
an advantage over other ethnic American groups, most of which do not have full-time
staff, especially in Washington DC, and whose work is consequently of a more sporadic

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nature. JBANC has been one of the most effective ethnic political organizations in the
nation’s capital.

In 1991, the organization’s primary objective of restored independence for the Baltics
was achieved, thanks in part to the strong support and advocacy efforts of the Baltic-
American communities. With independence restored, JBANC and other Baltic
organizations turned to the important goal of Russian troop withdrawal from the Baltics.
After three years of concerted effort, this goal was also achieved. In the summer of
1994 began the decade-long campaign to secure Baltic admission to NATO. A major
first step was achieved by the signing of the U.S.-Baltic Charter of Partnership in 1998.
Our ultimate goal, NATO membership, was finally accomplished on March 29, 2004.

3.0 SPECIFIC PROJECTS AND ACTION STEPS

Now, JBANC must move on to new goals. What follows is a list of new activities and
projects that our organization is beginning to pursue. It is not an exhaustive list.
Undoubtedly, unforeseen issues and problems may arise that we also will need to
address. Given Russia’s unpredictability, the political existence of the Baltics may
remain uncertain in the long run, necessitating continued monitoring and action from
concerned groups in the U.S.

3.1 Bear witness to the legacy of communism

The Baltic countries were for long periods victims of Russian imperialism and Soviet
communism. Since the days of Baltic independence in 1918, there were efforts by
Moscow to destabilize legitimate Baltic governments. Together with Nazi Germany,
Soviet Russia sought control of Central and Eastern Europe through the Molotov-
Ribbentrop Pact and its secret protocols of August 1939. The Soviet Union coerced the
three Baltic governments in 1939 to cede military bases and then, in 1940, to forfeit
sovereignty. Mass murders and deportations to the Siberian gulags followed. The U.S
did not recognize the illegal occupation and annexation.

3.1.1 Condemn the crimes of communism

Even though Moscow quickly recognized the sovereignty of the Baltic governments in
1991, the Russian Federation, as the successor state of the USSR, has refused to admit
that the occupation and annexation of the three Baltic countries was an illegal and
forced act. At the same time, Russia has admitted to its culpability for the Katyn Forest
massacre during World War II in Poland and of its role in the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact.
Soviet leaders expressed regret about the invasions of Hungary in 1956 and of
Czechoslovakia in 1968. Despite these welcome gestures of contrition, Moscow seems
to be in denial about the brutal Soviet occupation of the Baltics.

JBANC continues to bring to light facts about the illegal Soviet takeover and foreign
communist rule in the Baltics. We feel this is absolutely necessary to help Russia come
to terms with its past, and to adopt a more friendly, politically responsible, and mature
relationship with the Baltic countries.

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There appears to be growing support in Europe for some sort of formal condemnation of
the crimes of communism. A resolution introduced by the Council of Europe last year
seeks such an understanding. This effort has the support of the Baltic Assembly.
JBANC has prepared for congressional consideration a similar resolution asking that
Russia admit to the crimes of the Soviet Union toward the Baltic countries. This effort
could conceivably be coupled with the one in Europe, thus having two similar efforts
going on both sides of the Atlantic.

Along the same lines, in May of this year, a “White Book” requesting an apology and
approximately $104 billion in reparations for damages caused by the Soviet-era
occupation has been presented to the Estonian Parliament for consideration and action.
Similar efforts are taking place in Latvia and Lithuania.

As with Nazism, the crimes of communism must be exposed and the historical record
made clear. In the absence of this search for truth, progress toward a brighter future for
all concerned will be hampered. JBANC will monitor the efforts by the Council of
Europe and other institutions and will follow the proceedings in the Estonian Parliament
and will increase its efforts to introduce a resolution in the United States Congress.

3.1.2 Memorialize the victims of communism

A rejuvenated effort in Washington, DC to build a memorial to the victims of

communism is meeting with success. The Victims of Communism Memorial
Foundation is collecting funds and materials to erect a memorial in Washington, DC
near Capitol Hill by early 2005. Efforts are also underway to establish on the Internet
an interactive “virtual museum,” which will provide visitors a gateway to the legacy of
communist crimes and witness memories. An organizing committee has conducted
successful fundraisers and is reaching out to the ethnic communities and key members
of Congress and the Administration. President George W. Bush is the Honorary
Chairman of the effort.

JBANC has supported and advanced the efforts of the victims of communism. Our
organization is convinced that with memorials to most other horrific deeds of the past
already in place, it is time for this memorial to the costliest example of man's
inhumanity to man. JBANC Managing Director Karl Altau was named in January 2004
to the Board of Directors of the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation.

3.1.3 Action steps

• Pass a congressional resolution condemning the crimes of communism and

seeking an apology from Russia
• Build a memorial to the victims of communism in Washington, DC, near Capitol
Hill, and establish on the Internet an interactive virtual museum, which will
provide visitors a gateway to the legacy of communist crimes and witness
memories

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3.2 Export democracy and “the Baltic Experience” beyond the Baltics

An international conference in Riga, Latvia, in February 2004 re-emphasized the

geographical areas of particular concern for the Baltic countries - the neighborhood to
the east and south. The development of stable democracies in Belarus, Ukraine,
Moldova, and the Caucasus is critical for stable development and security of the Baltic
region. With Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia in NATO and the EU, efforts need to be
made to export the “Baltic experience” and to enlarge the zone of democracy.

3.2.1 Belarus

Steps should be taken to advance the democratic processes in Belarus by making it a

partner rather than an adversary of the Baltics and the rest of the democratic world.
Legislation introduced in the U.S. Congress addresses the problems of Belarus and
authorizes a significant sum of money toward democracy-building programs in that
country. The Belarus Democracy Act (S. 700 and H.R. 854) is in the interests of the
Baltic countries and the West and JBANC is committed to work towards its passage.

Belarus will hold parliamentary elections in October 2004. These elections can be
considered a referendum on President Aleksandr Lukashenka’s repressive rule and will
be a test for his opposition, which must overcome the government’s coercion,
intimidation, and oppression.

3.2.2 Ukraine

Ukraine will hold presidential elections in 2004 as well. Its fragile democracy rests on
whether President Leonid Kuchma will seek an unconstitutional third consecutive term
in office. His continued presence could severely jeopardize the economic, political, and
most importantly, the judicial reform of the country. Kuchma has shown repressive
tendencies. His government recently halted U.S. international broadcasting to Ukraine.
Ukraine is one of the largest countries in Europe and is truly at a crossroads between
Western and Eastern Europe. Due to its geopolitical importance, Ukraine must not
become another failed state.

3.2.3 Moldova

Parts of Moldova are occupied by Russian troops. If Russian-endorsed plans to

destabilize the unity of Moldova were to succeed, it would legitimize the corrupt
Transdniester enclave in that region, creating a continued haven for drug, weapons and
human trafficking, and contraband. These efforts were sidetracked in December 2003,
but fears remain that Russia is seeking to make a permanent imprint on that country.

3.2.4 The Caucasus Republics

The biggest problem in the Caucasus Republics is the continued territorial conflict
between Azerbaijan and Armenia. With a Trans-Caucasian oil pipeline being built from
the Caspian Sea to the Black Sea, the U.S. should be particularly concerned about

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stability in that region. In Georgia the new President, Mikhail Saakashvili, a pro-
Western politician, is expected to provide needed leadership to build a society based on
democratic traditions and the rule of law and to serve as an example in the Caucasus
region.

3.2.5 Action steps

• Promote passage of the Belarus Democracy Act in Congress

• Support the democracy movements in Belarus, Ukraine, Moldova, and the
Caucasus Republics
• Support efforts to remove Russian troops from Moldova and Georgia

3.3 Engage Russia in social, political, and economic dialogue

JBANC supports a fully democratic Russia and recognizes the importance of engaging
Russia in social, political, and economic dialogue. However, developments following
the elections to the Duma in December 2003 and the March 2004 presidential election
have presented an alarming picture of the autocratic, anti-democratic course which
Russia seems to be charting. There is little discussion of this worrisome trend -
important exceptions being a Senate floor speech given in November 2003 by U.S.
Senator John McCain and comments made by Secretary of State Colin Powell after the
Russian presidential elections in March 2004. Relations between the U.S., the Baltics
and Russia remain the primary concern for JBANC.

The Russian Federation has maintained a high level of rhetoric against the Baltics,
particularly Estonia and Latvia, concerning the fate of the Russian-language minorities
in those countries. This occurs despite the assurances of international bodies and
observers and the fact that Estonia and Latvia have adjusted their laws to make the
integration of non-native populations less difficult.

Russian leaders have also spoken out strongly against the basing of NATO assets in the
Baltics. It is JBANC’s position that Russian criticisms are undeserved and unfounded.
The Baltic countries have a sovereign right as independent nations to choose the course
that is best for their peoples. Since they are full-fledged members of NATO, it is the
responsibility of the alliance to provide for their security. Therefore JBANC commends
NATO’s decision to provide needed military materials and training to the Baltics in
response to vital security interests of the expanded alliance.

3.3.1 Kaliningrad

Questions related to the future of Kaliningrad have to be also considered when

discussing the geopolitical environment of the Baltic region. It is a separate part of the
Russian Federation, situated on the Baltic coast between Lithuania and Poland. Used as
a major military base by the Soviet Union, it remains heavily militarized and
threatening.

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However, there are other serious concerns related to Kaliningrad beside the military
issue. These relate to the disastrous social and economic situation of the region. The
lack of economic progress has resulted in an environmental and social health crisis.
HIV/AIDS and TB remain a growing threat to public health. Despite efforts by its
neighbors to help Kaliningrad, its overall condition has earned it the label “the Black
Hole” of Europe.

3.3.2 Environment and energy

A clean environment and reliable sources of energy are major concerns for the Baltics.
There are still large pollution problems from the Soviet era. Russian drilling for oil just
20 miles off the protected coast of Lithuania raises the specter of environmental
disaster. Russia has control of oil imports to and through Baltic ports, and uses its
position of power as political leverage. Many cases of economic blackmail have been
observed during the last decade, including the energy blockade of Lithuania in 1990 and
the current energy blockade of Ventspils port. JBANC is committed to monitoring
these developments and promoting ways to address and solve these important problems.

3.3.3 Action steps

• Defend the Baltics, especially Estonia and Latvia, from unjust accusations
concerning the status of their Russian-speaking minorities
• Debate the future of Kaliningrad, seeking the goal of demilitarization, and
pointing out the disastrous health (HIV/AIDS and TB) and environmental
conditions there, and their threat to the public health of the region
• Scrutinize the environmental threats posed by Russian drilling of oil off Baltic
coastlands
• Monitor the efforts of Russia to control the Baltic energy sector and its use of
that power for political leverage and economic blackmail

3.4 Strengthen transatlantic integration and regional cooperation

With enlargement of NATO and the EU to the Baltics, transatlantic integration and
regional cooperation have risen to a new level. The countries can now look forward to
stability, security, and integration into the family of like-minded democratic nations.
However, membership in these institutions cannot be taken for granted. Effective
NATO membership takes effort and comes at a price. The first Baltic soldiers have
sacrificed their lives in Iraq, evidence of the determined commitment the new NATO
members are ready to make.

Many international issues related to the Baltics are being addressed by multilateral
institutions - the Baltic Assembly, the Nordic Council, the NATO Parliamentary
Assembly, and the Council of Baltic Sea States (Estonia has the presidency through
2004). The United States has also been actively involved in helping the Baltic countries
to stay on their course of freedom and prosperity through the auspices of the U.S.-Baltic
Partnership Charter, signed in 1998, and then through the Northern European Initiative
(NEI).

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Since the fall of 2003, NEI has been restructured to address a changed American
approach to the Baltic region. The new Enhanced Partnership in Northern Europe (e-
PINE) brings the U.S. together with the three Baltic and five Nordic (Denmark, Finland,
Iceland, Norway, and Sweden) nations to focus on questions of cooperative security,
healthy societies, and vibrant economies. JBANC also believes that increased
cooperation and the sharing of information is needed between the U.S. and the Baltics
regarding trade, investments, tourism, culture, and sports. Unfortunately, the FY05
Budget contains no funding provision for e-PINE. JBANC supports a $2 million line
item for the program.

3.4.1 Trade and aid

Two primary sources of federal funding to the Baltics include the Foreign Military
Financing (FMF) and International Military English Training (IMET) programs.
Adequate financing for these programs will be sought from the U.S. Congress and
Administration. Other aid requests will be made to the U.S. Defense Department for
modern weaponry and technology, as well as to other federal agencies for traditional aid
for civil society needs. JBANC is convinced that because of the global war on
terrorism, military aid should not be reduced to the Baltic countries since they have
proven to be reliable contributors to that war and will require outside help to maintain
their professional presence in various conflict zones.

Another concern for JBANC is the closing of the Central and Eastern Europe Business
Information Center (CEEBIC) of the U.S. Commerce Department in Riga and the
elimination of the position of U.S. Commercial Officer to the Baltics at the end of FY
2004. Trade, business cooperation, and partnerships are natural steps forward for U.S.-
Baltic relations. If these closures go forward as planned, American commercial
interests in the Baltics will suffer.

3.4.2 U.S. public diplomacy

The tragic events of September 11, 2001 have had a great impact on the U.S.
international and domestic agenda and thus on the Baltic-American community. The
war on terrorism has meant new engagements on a global scale and a focus on the
Middle East, which has meant the curtailing of U.S. public diplomacy efforts in Europe.

The decrease in resources for U.S. public diplomacy in the Baltics, the creeping anti-
Americanism there, and the increased Russian propaganda and covert actions to
undermine the Baltic governments are very real and important concerns.

JBANC opposed the cessation of U.S. international broadcasting to the Baltics, which
was terminated in early 2004. It felt that, despite the freedom of the media in the
Baltics, this was premature. JBANC is further alarmed by continued cuts to Voice of
America (VOA) and Radio Free Liberty (RFL) broadcasts to Belarus, Ukraine and other
countries of the region. The flow of independent and objective information into
politically vulnerable neighboring regions under authoritarian, anti-democratic rule is

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being slowed to a trickle. America’s voice is being silenced.

3.4.3 Action steps

• Seek funding (target of $2 million) in Congress for Enhanced Partnership in

Northern Europe (e-PINE)
• Increase cooperation and the sharing of information between the U.S. and the
Baltics regarding trade, investment, tourism, and sports
• Seek sufficient aid for military and other programs in the Baltics
• Work to improve U.S. public diplomacy and resources for the Baltics

3.5 Expand relations and cooperation with other ethnic organizations

and political groups in the U.S. and the Baltics

JBANC’s greatest resource is its ability to combine the efforts of one million Baltic-
Americans to forge a close relationship between this constituency and their
representatives in Congress and the executive branch.

JBANC has established close contacts with congressional offices and has helped to
expand the Congressional Baltic Caucuses to include over 80 members in both the
House and Senate. In addition, JBANC has established a wide network of friends and
supporters through organizations like the Central and East European Coalition (CEEC),
which has been in existence for over a decade and unites over 20 million voting
Americans of Central and Eastern European descent. JBANC has also actively reached
out to the National Guards of Maryland, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, which have
relationships with the Defense Forces of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, respectively.
The Maryland relationship has blossomed further into cooperation with the Maryland-
Baltic Educational Consortium, which promotes academic, civic, and business activity
in the Baltics.

JBANC is committed to expanding its relations and cooperation with other ethnic
organizations and political groups including those of Central and East European
heritage to address important issues related but not limited to transatlantic cooperation,
U.S.-Russian relations, political security, immigration and visas, and other issues.
Besides contacts with JBANC’s three parent organizations, and associated regional,
statewide, and local organizations, close cooperation continues with the Lithuanian
American Community, Baltic American Freedom League and the U.S.-Baltic
Foundation.

Although JBANC has a stable base of funding from its three member organizations, the
organizations themselves depend primarily upon contributions from their respective
publics. Ever since the Baltics regained their freedom, those contributions,
understandably, have decreased. After the successful NATO and EU accession of the
Baltics, the future of Baltic-American political organizations and their representative
communities needs attention. What is needed is a vision for the future in order to
maintain and galvanize a base of support.

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To increase the effectiveness of Baltic-American organizations, greater coordination
and cooperation among them is critical. JBANC will seek to elevate the degree of
coordination and partnership among these organizations. There should also be greater
cooperation between Baltic-American organizations and NGOs in the Baltic countries.

JBANC has good relationships with the three Baltic embassies in Washington, hosting
quarterly meetings since 1998 to exchange information. JBANC has a budding
relationship with the Baltic Assembly and is developing one with the weekly English-
language newspaper “The Baltic Times”. JBANC is in regular contact with
organizations such as the NATO Parliamentary Assembly on issues related to security
and civil society in the Baltics and Europe.

3.5.1 Action steps

• Continue effective cooperation with the Central and East European Coalition
(CEEC)
• Explore ways to increase cooperation with the Maryland-Baltic Educational
Consortium in order to improve and help fund JBANC educational and outreach
programs
• Facilitate greater cooperation among Baltic-American organizations and NGO’s
in the Baltic countries
• Maintain good relationships with the three Baltic embassies in Washington and
continue hosting quarterly meetings where Baltic-American organizations can
exchange information with embassy staffs
• Build relationships with institutions such as the Baltic Assembly and NATO
Parliamentary Assembly and newspapers such as “The Baltic Times” and other
media in both the U.S. and in the Baltics
• Stay involved in the U.S. political process, especially the presidential and
congressional elections

3.6 Provide accurate information and timely policy analysis regarding

Baltic affairs in the U.S. and abroad

JBANC’s primary mission is to be an advocate for Baltic-Americans and their

communities in the U.S. One of the traditional instruments for doing this has been a
biannual conference, which brings together scholars, students, politicians, government
representatives, journalists, and community activists from both sides of the Atlantic.

JBANC would like to extend and expand that advocacy role to also provide timely and
accurate policy analysis and information regarding Baltic affairs in the U.S. and abroad
through think tank development.

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3.6.1 Action steps

• Fund JBANC representative in the Baltics who will help coordinate JBANC
activities there and provide vital information and analysis for JBANC programs
in the U.S.
• Organize a JBANC conference in the spring of 2005 which would address in
greater detail and sophistication some of the major topics of this White Paper

In order to accomplish these ambitious goals, JBANC will need whole-hearted support
from its constituent organizations as well as others concerned with freedom, democracy,
security, and economic well-being in the Baltic countries.

4.0 JBANC CONTACT INFORMATION

JOINT BALTIC AMERICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE, INC.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2004-2005

Saulius Kuprys, President of Lithuanian American Council – JBANC President

Ramunas Kondratas, Representative of Lithuanian American Council – Chairman
Henry Gaidis, Representative of Lithuanian American Council

Mati Kõiva, President of Estonian American National Council – JBANC Secretary

Lya Karm, Representative of Estonian American National Council

Dace Copeland, President of American Latvian Association – JBANC Treasurer

Janis Bolsteins, Representative of American Latvian Association
Peteris Blumbergs, Representative of American Latvian Association

STAFF

Karl Altau, Managing Director

Rockville, MD 20850
E-mail: jbanc@jbanc.org
Tel: 301-340-1954
Fax: 301-309-1406

Simonas Girdzijauskas, Program Director

Vilnius, Lithuania
E-mail: simonas@jbanc.org

Rojs Dauburs, Webmaster Elina Spule, 2004 Summer Intern

E-mail:expandNATO@yahoo.com E-mail: elina_spule@hotmail.com

JBANC
400 Hurley Ave.
Rockville, MD 20850
http://jbanc.org

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