Between the first and second World War, the city of Wilno (or Vilna), now Vilnius, was a part of Poland. In 1939 the Soviet Union invaded eastern Poland. The Soviets divided this newly occupied territory between the Ukrainian and Byelorussian Soviet Republics. The area of Vilna was given to Lithuania by the Soviets. In exchange, Lithuania was expected to join the Soviet Union.
From the beginning of their takeover, the Lithuanian administration and police persecuted the local Polish population. No Polish language, no Polish songs or prayers allowed in the churches, no higher education allowed for Poles, etc. In 1940, when Lithuania did join the Soviet Union, there was some improvement in Vilna for the local Polish people as there was much less harassment.
Now Lithuania demands independence with borders from the year 1940. Why not from 1939, when the war began?
Vilna and its surrounding area had many nationalities. Currently, about 50 years later, there are still over 10 percent of the population who consider themselves Poles, as well as another 10 percent who consider themselves Russians. The present day SAJVDAS (national political party) is more than ever against all such minorities. There are no equal rights, no human rights.
Freedom for Lithuania? My only hope is that it includes freedom for all people there.
