Lithuanian ambassador to speak on campus
The Lithuanian ambassador to the United Kingdom will speak on former President Ronald Reagan's birthday in honor of his outlook on freedom and democracy.
Topinabee sophomore Dennis Lennox II invited Vygaudas Usackas to speak at "Critical Issues: Belarus" at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Charles V. Park Library Auditorium.
"This event is being held partly to discuss the need for freedom and democracy in Belarus, but also to memorialize the late president and his legacy and his contribution to the world," said Lennox, Young Americans for Freedom president.
Critical Issues is a series which hopes to address the need for freedom and democracy in Belarus and is sponsored by YAF, a registered student organization.
According to the CIA World Factbook, Belarus attained its independence in 1991 after 70 years as a constituent of the Soviet Union. Although the country attained its independence, the government still places restrictions on freedom of speech, peaceful assembly and religion.
Lithuania is just north of Poland, bordering Belarus on its northwest side.
Usackas has been employed in several positions since Lithuania gained its independence. He was the chief negotiator for Lithuania in the European Union and a liaison officer of Lithuania to NATO.
Usackas also has been the ambassador to the United States in Washington D.C., and the deputy foreign minister in the Lithuanian government.
"He's probably familiar with the situation that's happening over there in terms of the suppression of speech that's going on," said Joseph Corey, Rochester junior and YAF vice president.
Lennox said the speech is expected to last about 45 minutes, which will be followed by a 20-minute question and answer session.
"There's not a large amount of attention being paid to Belarus and their need for reform there," Lennox said. "This event will help move that attention to the country."
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