(13 Jan 2001) English/Nat
Lithuania is ready to mark the 10th anniversary of the bloodshed in the capital Vilnius which followed an attack on and occupation of the city's television tower by Soviet troops.
Thirteen civilians died in the clashes, which were followed by incidents of violence in other republics of the former Soviet Union.
The events ultimately led to the demise of the Soviet empire.
In January 1991, Soviet troops seized control of Lithuania's television and radio and other vital state institutions in the capital Vilnius in a bid to suppress the republic's drive for independence.
The action led to widespread popular protests and on the night of January 12 to January 13, unarmed civilians put up resistance to the army.
Thirteen people perished in the effort.
The developments were preceded by votes in the Lithuanian parliament and the legislatures in Latvia and Estonia in favour of re-establishing independence.
The independence movement in Lithuania was spearheaded by the popular front Sajudis, led by Vytautas Landsbergis, who later became president of independent Lithuania.
In early September 1991, following an abortive coup by hardliners in Moscow, most countries recognised the independence of Lithuania and the other two Baltic states.
The Soviet Union itself ceased to exist later in the year, and on August 31, 1992 the last Russian soldier left Lithuanian territory.
The incumbent president, Valdas Adamkus, has been leading the country since 1998.
An American citizen and active campaigner for Lithuanian independence prior to his election, Adamkus remembers with deep sorrow the 1991 events.
Remembering the tragic developments that happened 10 years ago, Lithuanians believe the casualties were not in vain.
People showed they deserved liberty and independence and their wish to be free finally materialised.
SOUNDBITE (English):
"It was the day in which I was a participant of very important event which decided about my country and our country. And not only, also deciding about the Soviet Union and its future, its development towards democracy or towards dictatorship."
SUPER CAPTION: Vytautas Landsbergis, the first Lithuanian president
SOUNDBITE (English):
"The people of Lithuania showed the rest of the world that the slavery cannot survive. The free people, the free spirit prevailed and they committed themselves to die for that idea."
SUPER CAPTION: Valdas Adamkus, Lithuanian President
SOUNDBITE (English):
"That day people who gathered here proved that they deserve freedom and independence"
SUPER CAPTION: Jonas Uzusienis, Landsbergis' bodyguard
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