The Board of Directors of the Institute for EastWest Studies have given the Institute's Annual Award for New European Statesmanship to the president of the three Baltic States Lennart Meri, Guntis Ulmanis and Algirdas Brazauskas for their leadership in strengthening cooperation among themselves, in developing realtions with their naighbor-states around the Baltic Sea, and handling with resourcefulness and courage the delicate relationship with Russia.
The Board of Directors OF IEWS noted also, that regaining independence in the Baltic states despite substantial dangers without resorting to violence and always in profaund and dramatic conformity with the people's will.
These awards have been an important part of IEWS's mission to serve and actively work for the integration of all European states under conditions of security, equality and steadily strengthening partnership with the international community.
Press Service of the Office of the President
Kadriorg, June 20, 1996
