Itar-Tass

Lithuania’s President Valdas Adamkus has slammed as national disgrace the skinheads’ march on Independence Day, March 11.

The president’s attitude to this effect was expressed by his press-secretary Rita Grumadaite at a news briefing on Thursday.

“In a democratic state that respects law any attacks against representatives of other peoples and races are impermissible,” the president said. “It was a disgrace for Lithuania.”

He warned of the risks hatred towards other peoples disguised as patriotism was fraught with.

Adamkus summoned Interior Minister Regimantas Ciupaila to his office to demand explanations. After the meeting the president pointed to the need for taking measures to prevent such actions in the future. Otherwise, those who connive with such actions will be reprimanded, he warned.

On Lithuania’s Independence Day, March 11, a crowd of about 200 skinheads marched along the capital’s central avenue carrying Lithuania’s state flag and streamers with pictures of the skull and swastika. The participants in the unauthorized demonstration changed nationalist and anti-semitic slogans. Police did not intervene, although later they claimed they kept an eye on what was happening.