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Lithuanian President Impeached

Prague, 6 April 2004 (RFE/RL) -- Lithuania's parliament has voted to impeach President Rolandas Paksas.

The Baltic News Service is reporting that two-thirds of the assembly today found Paksas guilty of the first of three counts of breaching the country's constitution.

Speaking before parliament ahead of the vote, Paksas said: "It [impeachment] is an event which has no precedent in European history. It will become a particular calling card for our country while it is returning to its old European home. The impeachment is not only my personal drama or tragedy, but also a very serious challenge for the state, for its institutions, and also for the whole Lithuanian legal system. It is also, without any doubt, a test which will show the level of decency, honesty, and morality in our politicians.

"In fact, I am accused of acting in accordance with present Lithuanian laws and, in fact, I continued a practice used by former presidents. Presidents Algirdas Brazauskas and Valdas Adamkus made exceptions and granted citizenship for 847 people. There are 200 among them who have no merits for the Lithuanian state.

"Let's work for Lithuania. There is no higher purpose than working jointly for the Lithuanian people for the sake of democracy and justice."

Copyright (c) 2004. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. www.rferl.org