Joint Baltic American National Committee
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| Formation | 1961 |
|---|---|
| Type | Nonprofit organization |
| Headquarters | 400 Hurley Ave. |
| Location | |
| Website | http://jbanc.org |
The Joint Baltic American National Committee, Inc. (JBANC) is a non-profit organization that monitors issues affecting Baltic-American communities in the United States and the nations of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. JBANC functions as the public affairs bureau for its three parent organizations, the Estonian American National Council (EANC), the American Latvian Association, Inc. (ALA), and the Lithuanian American Council, Inc. (LAC) . The organization was founded on April 27, 1961 through a joint proclamation by Estonian National Committee in the U.S.A. Chairman Julius Kangur; American Latvian Association, Inc., in the United States President Peter P. Lejins; and Lithuanian American Council, Inc., President Leonard Simutis.
History
Since its inception, JBANC has worked with members of Congress, the White House, the State Department, and other federal agencies to promote the Baltic-American agenda. The group focuses heavily on fostering democratic principles, promoting human rights worldwide, supporting the establishment of peaceful relations among nations, and seeking the restoration and maintenance of security throughout Central and Eastern Europe. During the late twentieth century, JBANC worked to secure admission for the Baltic countries into NATO and the European Union. When Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania all became full members of both organizations in 2004, JBANC turned its efforts to a host of issues that continue to demand attention today. These include bearing witness to the legacy of communism; defending the Baltic nations against unjust accusations and historical revisionism; promoting democracy beyond the Baltics; strengthening transatlantic integration and American engagement in the Baltics; and expanding relations with other ethnic organizations and NGOs in the U.S. and abroad.[1]
JBANC regularly brings policy makers, analysts, and constituents together to discuss critical topics facing the Baltics and their neighbors at Baltic conferences every two years. The organization's most recent conference, held in Washington, D.C., focused on human rights and security issues affecting Europe and the United States. Speakers at the event included President of Latvia Valdis Zatlers,[2] Lithuanian parliamentarian Emanuelis Zingeris, former Belarusian presidential candidate Alaksandar Kazulin, Paul A. Goble, Edward Lucas, Anders Åslund, former Congressman Don Ritter, and Damon Wilson.
References
External links
Information about JBANC and its parent organizations can be obtained through the following websites: