Vilnius, 22 September 2021 (TDI): The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania released a statement on the elections to the State Duma in the Russian Federation – which was held on September 17-19.
Lithuania believes that Russia undermines democracy, human rights and fundamental freedoms, and independent media. That led to the deterioration of the people of Russia’s civil position freely. And because of it, Russians did not have the opportunity to be part of the electoral process.
Also, the authorities did not grant the participation of international observers, including the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), in the elections.
Lithuania also expressed Russia’s contradiction to the principles of the Council of Europe, the European Convention on Human Rights, the OSCE, and other international commitments by Russia. Lastly, the illegal annexation in Crimea, Donetsk, and Luhansk regions (Russia-occupied areas) violates the International law, territorial integrity, and sovereignty of Ukraine.
Therefore, Lithuania calls on Russian authorities to stop their systemic pressure against civil society. To respect the principles of international law, and to withdraw military forces from Ukraine. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania will maintain its unwavering support to Ukraine.
