The Baltic American Freedom League, Inc. (BAFL) was founded in Los Angeles in 1981 by a group of Baltic American political activists as a national organization to support the Baltic peoples' struggle to regain their freedom and independence from Soviet occupation. BAFL initiated a broad based program to inform the American government and people of human and civil rights violations; religious persecutions; cultural genocide; and ethnic discrimination carried on by the Soviet government in the three Soviet occupied Baltic countries of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.
Today, the Baltic American Freedom League's programs are designed to assist the development of democracy and market economies in the Baltic countries, to assure the security of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania from outside aggression, to increase awareness of Baltic history and culture and to promote strong, friendly and effective bilateral relations and policies between the United States and the Baltic countries.
Current objectives include early Baltic membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, and U.S. support for economic and military aid to the Baltic countries.
The League carries out its activities through public discussions, a speakers' bureau, press interviews, dissemination of information to the public, press and government about Baltic American concerns, seminars, meetings with government and elected officials and educational campaigns aimed at academic and political institutions
In order to assure the continued, meaningful implementation of America's support for the security and independence of the Baltic countries, the Baltic American Freedom League supports the following policies/programs:
Education
Educate and inform Congressional members on Baltic issues and concerns. We serve as the “eyes and ears” of the Baltic countries, informing Congressional members of political and economic issues.
This will be accomplished through various means including:
Publication of the Baltic Bulletin;
Publication of the Baltic Caucus Update;
Meetings with congressional staff, congresspersons, administrative and government officials in Washington, D.C.
Foreign Military Funding (FMF)
Foreign Military Funding (FMF) is an important source of support for the Baltic countries as they carry out reforms to bring their militaries to NATO standards. FMF funding helps support improvement of communications and other technology, so that the Baltic systems are compatible with that of the United States and its NATO allies. This assistance is appropriate. It demonstrates our support for these countries as they take on the burdens and responsibility in Europe, increase their own defense spending and update their military capabilities.
The Baltic American Freedom League strongly supports the allocation of $15 Million for the Baltic countries in the Foreign Operations Appropriations Legislation for Fiscal Year 2006.
International Military Education and Training (IMET) Assistance
The Baltic American Freedom League supports IMET assistance as proposed by the Administration. IMET provides much needed military education training to Baltic armed forces.
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Hitler-Stalin Pact of 1939
Historians of the 21st century will chronicle many a tragedy for mankind which took place during the last century's world wars: the rise of Communist and Nazi totalitarianism, genocide, military occupation, mass deportations, attempts to destroy cultural and ethnic heritage, and denial of human rights. The historians will also record that as a result of the nefarious Hitler-Stalin Pact every one of these tragedies befell the people of the countries of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.
To this date Russia, the successor state of the Soviet Union, failed to acknowledge the illegal and forceful occupation of the Baltic countries and has not apologized for the horrendous tragedy and destruction in brought on the Baltic people. It is the only treaty of World War II which has not been abrogated and whose shadow is still cast over the Baltic nations.
Statements claiming prerogatives under the Hitler-Stalin Pact to keep the Baltic countries within Russia's sphere of influence still emanate from Russian government officials and politicians. The Pact still gives Russia a hunting license to interfere in Baltic affairs. The longer Russia is free to make their own rules about interfering in their neighbors' affairs, the harder it will be to stop them later on. The Hitler - Stalin Pact has to be renounced and nullified by Russia now.
The Baltic American Freedom League asks Russia to acknowledge and take responsibility for the illegal and forceful occupation of the Baltic countries. Repudiating the acts of two of the last century's greatest tyrants will give the Baltic peoples reassurance that Russia has broken with the expansionist ways of its predecessor and show that Russia is prepared to deal with the Baltic nations as sovereign and independent countries.
The Baltic American Freedom League asks the Russian government that as a goodwill gesture and as proof of Russia's intentions to be a good neighbor of the Baltic countries, it welcome Baltic membership in NATO.
Vija Turjanis Alnis Briedis
Co-President Co-President
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PURPOSE
The Baltic American Freedom League, Inc. (BAFL) was founded in Los Angeles in 1981 by a group of Baltic American political activists as a national organization to support the Baltic peoples' struggle to regain their freedom and independence from Soviet occupation. BAFL initiated a broad based program to inform the American government and people of human and civil rights violations; religious persecutions; cultural genocide; and ethnic discrimination carried on by the Soviet government in the three Soviet occupied Baltic countries of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.
Today, the Baltic American Freedom League's programs are designed to assist the development of democracy and market economies in the Baltic countries, to assure the security of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania from outside aggression, to increase awareness of Baltic history and culture and to promote strong, friendly and effective bilateral relations and policies between the United States and the Baltic countries.
Current objectives include early Baltic membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, and U.S. support for economic and military aid to the Baltic countries.
The League carries out its activities through public discussions, a speakers' bureau, press interviews, dissemination of information to the public, press and government about Baltic American concerns, seminars, meetings with government and elected officials and educational campaigns aimed at academic and political institutions.
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BAFL PRIORITIES FOR 2005/2006
Support Representative John Shimkus’ Resolution H.Con.Res 128 and Senator Gordon Smith’s Resolution S.Con.Res. 32, for Russia to admit to its illegal occupation of the Baltic countries.
Conduct educational seminars for Congressional delegates.
Expand the Senate and House Baltic Caucuses and continue to inform members of issues of concern to the Baltic American community.
Provide support to congressional delegations on their visits to the Baltic countries.
Encourage economic and military funding for Regional related democracy projects.
Request that Congress appropriate sufficient funding for FMF and IMET programs for FY 2006 for the Baltic armed forces at least at FY 2005 levels.
MEMBERSHIP
The membership of the Baltic American Freedom League consists of individual members and organizations. All persons, firms, corporations, congregations or associations may become active voting members in the organization by paying a one-time membership fee of $100 to the organization. There are no annual dues.
Membership is not denied or abridged because of race, national origin, religion, sex, marital status, physical handicap or place of residence.
OFFICERS
The Board of Directors, consisting of 14 members elected at the annual meeting, conducts the business of the organization at a monthly meeting. Those not present at the annual meeting may vote by proxy. Any voting member may be nominated and elected to an office.
The Board of Directors elects the Executive Committee consisting of the President, Executive Vice President, three Vice Presidents, Secretary and Treasurer.
Click here to view our current list of Officers.
MEMBERSHIP DUES
Lifetime membership fee (dues) is $100. The amount may be changed by a majority vote of members voting at the annual meeting.
For each additional $100 donation to BAFL, members receive one additional vote.
Click here if you wish to become a Member.
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