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'''Vilnija''' is a political organization, consisted from [[Lithuanians]] and [[Poles]]<ref name="Cieplak"/> of [[Vilnius region]]; considered by some to be [[extremist]]<ref name="Mudde">{{en icon}} {{cite book | author =Cas Mudde | coauthors = | title =Racist Extremism in Central and Eastern Europe | year =2005 | editor = | pages =151 | chapter = | chapterurl = | publisher =[[Routledge|Routledge (UK)]] | location =London | id =ISBN 0415355931 | url =http://books.google.com/books?id=YB-ZwiBf5HgC&pg=RA9-PA151&lpg=RA9-PA151&ots=wmhEhEojjt&sig=sJCh55Q77TuGYf4gfM5gbZm2DHg | format = | accessdate = }}</ref><ref name="GW_2001">[[{{pl icon}} [[Gazeta Wyborcza]], 2001-02-14, ''[http://serwisy.gazeta.pl/swiat/1,34175,151474.html Litewska prokuratura przesłuchuje weteranów AK''] (Lithuanian prosecutor questioning AK veterans), last accessed on [[7 June]] 2006]</ref><ref name="Vilkas">Leonardas Vilkas, [http://www.darski.info/?darski=kraje&go=estonia_elali LITEWSKA, ŁOTEWSKA I ESTOŃSKA DROGA DO NIEPODLEGŁOŚCI I DEMOKRACJI: PRÓBA PORÓWNANIA] (Lithuanian, Latvian and Estonian Way to Independence: An Attempt to Compare], on homepage of Jerzy Targalski, professor of [[University of Warsaw]]</ref> and [[nationalist]].<ref name="Zakorzenianie">{{en icon}} {{cite web | author=Karolina Bielenin, dr Jarosław Tomasiewicz | title=Polish Minority in Lithuania | publisher=Stowarzyszenie na rzecz Wielości Kultur | year= | work=zaKORZENIEnie | url=http://zakorzenianie.most.org.pl/english/04.htm | accessdate=2007-01-13 }}</ref><ref name="Cieplak">{{pl icon}} {{cite web | author=Paweł Cieplak | title=Polsko-litewskie stosunki (Polish-Lithuanian affairs) | publisher= | year= | work=Lithuanian Portal | url=http://www.ambasada.lt/Default.asp?DL=P&TopicID=294 | accessdate=2007-01-13 }}</ref><ref name="Zuchowicz">{{pl icon}} {{cite journal | author =Katarzyna Zuchowicz | year = | month = | title =Pół wieku z polskim słowem (Half a Century With a Polish Word) | journal =[[Rzeczpospolita (newspaper)|Rzeczpospolita]] | volume = | issue =2003-07-16 | pages = | id = | url =http://www.mfa.gov.pl/index.php?page=5682&lang_id=pl&bulletin_id=11&portlet=biuletyn%2Fpokaz | format = | accessdate =2007-01-13 }}, cited on the official page of the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs</ref><ref name="Media_3">{{pl icon}} {{cite journal | author =Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs | year =2006 | month =10 | title ="Ustawa o języku państwowym" (Statue on national language) - commentary on [[Vincas Urbutis]] article "Debaty nad ustawą o języku (Debates on the Language Act) " in [[Lietuvos Aidas]], 04 – 07.10 | journal =Media zagraniczne o Polsce (Foreign Media on Poland) | volume =XV | issue =200/37062 | pages = | id = | url =http://www.mfa.gov.pl/index.php?page=9370&lang_id=pl&bulletin_id=8&portlet=biuletyn%2Fpokaz | format = | accessdate =2006-01-20 }}</ref> The organization was formed in 1988, and its primary aim was the [[Lithuanization]]<ref name="Budryte"/> of [[ethnic Poles]] living in the Eastern part of [[Lithuania]]. The organization is composed of [[ethnic Lithuanians]] and was created by [[Romualdas Ozolas]]<ref name="Vilkas"/> was later joined by marginal Polish organization [[Association of St. Zita]]; <ref name="Cieplak"/> and has been led for many years by [[Kazimieras Garšva]].<ref name="GW_2001"/><ref name="Media_3"/><ref name="Media_4"/> Its program, elaborated in a monograph by Garšva<ref name="Garszwa">{{lt icon}} {{cite book | author =[[Kazimieras Garšva]] | coauthors = | title =Pietryciu Lietuvos autonomijos klausimai (Questions on the Autonomy of South-Eastern Lithuania) | year =1990 | editor = | pages = | chapter = | chapterurl = | publisher =Eksperimentines Technikos | location =Chicago | id = | url = | format = | accessdate = }}</ref>, is based on their belief that the [[Polish minority in Lithuania]] are in fact [[Polonization|Polonized]] [[Lithuanians]] and that their true identity had been erased by years of foreign occupation<ref name="Budryte">{{en icon}} {{cite book | author =[[Dovile Budryte]] | coauthors = | title =Taming Nationalism?: Political Community Building in the Post-Soviet Baltic States | year =2005 | editor = | pages =147-148 | chapter = | chapterurl = | publisher =Ashgate Publishing | location =Aldershot | id =ISBN 0754637573 | url =http://books.google.com/books?id=UJMzpeUHkQcC&pg=PA149&lpg=PA149&sig=s8BnP6xV4TGxoLbhZxJ1_9F8FFU#PPA148,M1 | format = | accessdate = }}</ref>. Although the Polonization of the Vilnius region is proven<ref> Turska H. O powstaniu polskich obszarow językowych na Wilenszczyznie. Wilno, 1939 </ref> <ref> Z. Zinkevičius „Pietryčių Lietuva nuo seniausių laikų iki mūsų dienų“ [[„Southeastern Lithuania from ancient times to nowadays“]] in „Lietuvos Rytai; straipsnių rinkinys [[The east of Lithunia; the collection of the articles]]; Vilnius 1993. ISBN 9986-09-002-4</ref> and it is known that many people who have spoken the special Belarusian dialect "po prostu",(with its many substantial relics from the Lithuanian language), [[tuteishians]], have considered themselves to be Poles<ref> V. Čekmonas, L. Grumadaitė "Kalbų paplitimas Rytų Lietuvoje" ("The distribution of languages in eastern Lithuania"), in Lietuvos rytai; straipsnių rinkinys (The east of Lithuania; a collection of articles]; Vilnius 1993. ISBN 9986-09-002-4</ref>, Polish [[demagogy|demagogues]] have stated that all these Poles have been living here "for ages" ("od wieków")<ref> Z. Zinkevičius „Pietryčių Lietuva nuo seniausių laikų iki mūsų dienų“ (Southeastern Lithuania from ancient times to nowadays) in „Lietuvos Rytai; straipsnių rinkinys (The east of Lithuania; a collection of the articles); Vilnius 1993. ISBN 9986-09-002-4</ref> denying any evidence of multi-ethnic descent of the locals. This came up mostly in the aftermath of politics and attendant self worth declining of "tuteishians", what continue to this day<ref> V. Čekmonas, L. Grumadaitė "Kalbų paplitimas Rytų Lietuvoje" ("The distribution of languages in eastern Lithuania"], in Lietuvos rytai; straipsnių rinkinys (The east of Lithuania; a collection of articles); Vilnius 1993. ISBN 9986-09-002-4 </ref>. To counter such situation, the organization proposed that they should be brought back to their Lithuanian roots by removing any trace of alien (that is, Polish or Russian) textbooks, teachers, symbols and traditions <ref name="Budryte"/>. The organization's goal is also to counter perceived growing Polish influence in Lithuania, which Vilnija sees as a threat to that nation. <ref name="Budryte"/>
'''Vilnija''' is a political organization, consisted from [[Lithuanians]] and [[Poles]]<ref name="Cieplak"/> of [[Vilnius region]]; considered by some to be [[extremist]]<ref name="Mudde">{{en icon}} {{cite book | author =Cas Mudde | coauthors = | title =Racist Extremism in Central and Eastern Europe | year =2005 | editor = | pages =151 | chapter = | chapterurl = | publisher =[[Routledge|Routledge (UK)]] | location =London | id =ISBN 0415355931 | url =http://books.google.com/books?id=YB-ZwiBf5HgC&pg=RA9-PA151&lpg=RA9-PA151&ots=wmhEhEojjt&sig=sJCh55Q77TuGYf4gfM5gbZm2DHg | format = | accessdate = }}</ref><ref name="GW_2001">[[{{pl icon}} [[Gazeta Wyborcza]], 2001-02-14, ''[http://serwisy.gazeta.pl/swiat/1,34175,151474.html Litewska prokuratura przesłuchuje weteranów AK''] (Lithuanian prosecutor questioning AK veterans), last accessed on [[7 June]] 2006]</ref><ref name="Vilkas">Leonardas Vilkas, [http://www.darski.info/?darski=kraje&go=estonia_elali LITEWSKA, ŁOTEWSKA I ESTOŃSKA DROGA DO NIEPODLEGŁOŚCI I DEMOKRACJI: PRÓBA PORÓWNANIA] (Lithuanian, Latvian and Estonian Way to Independence: An Attempt to Compare], on homepage of Jerzy Targalski, professor of [[University of Warsaw]]</ref> and [[nationalist]].<ref name="Zakorzenianie">{{en icon}} {{cite web | author=Karolina Bielenin, dr Jarosław Tomasiewicz | title=Polish Minority in Lithuania | publisher=Stowarzyszenie na rzecz Wielości Kultur | year= | work=zaKORZENIEnie | url=http://zakorzenianie.most.org.pl/english/04.htm | accessdate=2007-01-13 }}</ref><ref name="Cieplak">{{pl icon}} {{cite web | author=Paweł Cieplak | title=Polsko-litewskie stosunki (Polish-Lithuanian affairs) | publisher= | year= | work=Lithuanian Portal | url=http://www.ambasada.lt/Default.asp?DL=P&TopicID=294 | accessdate=2007-01-13 }}</ref><ref name="Zuchowicz">{{pl icon}} {{cite journal | author =Katarzyna Zuchowicz | year = | month = | title =Pół wieku z polskim słowem (Half a Century With a Polish Word) | journal =[[Rzeczpospolita (newspaper)|Rzeczpospolita]] | volume = | issue =2003-07-16 | pages = | id = | url =http://www.mfa.gov.pl/index.php?page=5682&lang_id=pl&bulletin_id=11&portlet=biuletyn%2Fpokaz | format = | accessdate =2007-01-13 }}, cited on the official page of the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs</ref><ref name="Media_3">{{pl icon}} {{cite journal | author =Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs | year =2006 | month =10 | title ="Ustawa o języku państwowym" (Statue on national language) - commentary on [[Vincas Urbutis]] article "Debaty nad ustawą o języku (Debates on the Language Act) " in [[Lietuvos Aidas]], 04 – 07.10 | journal =Media zagraniczne o Polsce (Foreign Media on Poland) | volume =XV | issue =200/37062 | pages = | id = | url =http://www.mfa.gov.pl/index.php?page=9370&lang_id=pl&bulletin_id=8&portlet=biuletyn%2Fpokaz | format = | accessdate =2006-01-20 }}</ref> The organization was formed in 1988, and its primary aim was the [[Lithuanization]]<ref name="Budryte"/> of [[ethnic Poles]] living in the Eastern part of [[Lithuania]]. The organization is composed of [[ethnic Lithuanians]] and was created by [[Romualdas Ozolas]]<ref name="Vilkas"/> was later joined by marginal Polish organization [[Association of St. Zita]]; <ref name="Cieplak"/> and has been led for many years by [[Kazimieras Garšva]].<ref name="GW_2001"/><ref name="Media_3"/><ref name="Media_4"/> Its program, elaborated in a monograph by Garšva<ref name="Garszwa">{{lt icon}} {{cite book | author =[[Kazimieras Garšva]] | coauthors = | title =Pietryciu Lietuvos autonomijos klausimai (Questions on the Autonomy of South-Eastern Lithuania) | year =1990 | editor = | pages = | chapter = | chapterurl = | publisher =Eksperimentines Technikos | location =Chicago | id = | url = | format = | accessdate = }}</ref>, is based on their belief that the [[Polish minority in Lithuania]] are in fact [[Polonization|Polonized]] [[Lithuanians]] and that their true identity had been erased by years of foreign occupation<ref name="Budryte">{{en icon}} {{cite book | author =[[Dovile Budryte]] | coauthors = | title =Taming Nationalism?: Political Community Building in the Post-Soviet Baltic States | year =2005 | editor = | pages =147-148 | chapter = | chapterurl = | publisher =Ashgate Publishing | location =Aldershot | id =ISBN 0754637573 | url =http://books.google.com/books?id=UJMzpeUHkQcC&pg=PA149&lpg=PA149&sig=s8BnP6xV4TGxoLbhZxJ1_9F8FFU#PPA148,M1 | format = | accessdate = }}</ref>. Although the Polonization of the Vilnius region is proven<ref> Turska H. O powstaniu polskich obszarow językowych na Wilenszczyznie. Wilno, 1939 </ref> <ref> Z. Zinkevičius „Pietryčių Lietuva nuo seniausių laikų iki mūsų dienų“ [[„Southeastern Lithuania from ancient times to nowadays“]] in „Lietuvos Rytai; straipsnių rinkinys [[The east of Lithunia; the collection of the articles]]; Vilnius 1993. ISBN 9986-09-002-4</ref> and it is known that many people who have spoken the special Belarusian dialect "po prostu",(with its many substantial relics from the Lithuanian language), [[tuteishians]], have considered themselves to be Poles<ref> V. Čekmonas, L. Grumadaitė "Kalbų paplitimas Rytų Lietuvoje" ("The distribution of languages in eastern Lithuania"), in Lietuvos rytai; straipsnių rinkinys (The east of Lithuania; a collection of articles]; Vilnius 1993. ISBN 9986-09-002-4</ref>, Polish [[demagogy|demagogues]] have stated that all these Poles have been living here "for ages" ("od wieków")<ref> Z. Zinkevičius „Pietryčių Lietuva nuo seniausių laikų iki mūsų dienų“ (Southeastern Lithuania from ancient times to nowadays) in „Lietuvos Rytai; straipsnių rinkinys (The east of Lithuania; a collection of the articles); Vilnius 1993. ISBN 9986-09-002-4</ref> denying any evidence of multi-ethnic descent of the locals. This came up mostly in the aftermath of politics and attendant self worth declining of "tuteishians", what continue to this day<ref> V. Čekmonas, L. Grumadaitė "Kalbų paplitimas Rytų Lietuvoje" ("The distribution of languages in eastern Lithuania"], in Lietuvos rytai; straipsnių rinkinys (The east of Lithuania; a collection of articles); Vilnius 1993. ISBN 9986-09-002-4 </ref>. To counter such situation, the organization proposed that they should be brought back to their Lithuanian roots by removing any trace of alien (that is, Polish or Russian) textbooks, teachers, symbols and traditions <ref name="Budryte"/>. The organization's goal is also to counter perceived growing Polish influence in Lithuania, which Vilnija sees as a threat to that nation. <ref name="Budryte"/>


The organization is known for controversial actions and statements. In June 1999, it signed a petition defending [[Aleksandras Lileikis]], the former head of Vilnius branch of [[Lithuanian Security Police]] (a [[Lithuania]]n [[Nazi]]-sponsored collaborationist police force that operated from 1941 to 1944)<ref name="Justice">{{en icon}} {{cite news |author = [[United States Department of Justice]] |url = http://www.globalsecurity.org/intell/library/news/1996/960626-302crm.htm |title = Court Revokes U.S. Citizenship of Former Security Police Official |date = 1996-06-26 |accessdate = 2006-06-09}}</ref>, accused of [[Holocaust|extermination of Jews]] and [[Collaborationism|collaboration with the Nazis]] during the [[Second World War]].<ref name="Mudde"/> Vilnija has been seen by Polish government and media to often organize or support [[anti-Polish]] actions<ref name="Media_4">{{pl icon}} {{cite journal | author =Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs | year =2006 | month =10 | title ="Antypolski tekst K. Garsvy" (Anti-polish text by K. Garsva)". Commentary on K.Garsva article "Kiedy na Wileńszczyźnie będzie wprowadzone zarządzanie bezpośrednie? (When Vilnius region will have direct self-government?)" in [[Lietuvos Aidas]], 11 -12.10 | journal =Media zagraniczne o Polsce (Foreign Media on Poland) | volume =XV | issue =200/37062 | pages = | id = | url =http://www.mfa.gov.pl/index.php?page=9370&lang_id=pl&bulletin_id=8&portlet=biuletyn%2Fpokaz | format = | accessdate =2006-01-20 }}</ref><ref name="Cieplak"/><ref name="Vilkas"/> and the academic works of its leader,the philologist [[Kazimieras Garšva]], have been very negatively received by Polish government<ref name="Media_1">{{pl icon}} {{cite journal | author =Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs | year =2005 | month =03 | title ="Armia Krajowa na Litwie - ślepa uliczka historii" - cd. | journal =Media zagraniczne o Polsce (Foreign Media on Poland) | volume =XIV | issue =2539/3292 | pages = | id = | ur =http://www.mfa.gov.pl/index.php?page=4302&lang_id=pl&bulletin_id=8&portlet=biuletyn%2Fpokaz | format = | accessdate =2006-01-15 }}</ref><ref name="Media_2">{{pl icon}} {{cite journal | author =Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs | year =2004 | month =09 | title =Dr Garsva - prezes nacjonalistycznego stowarzyszenia Vilnija (...) | journal =Media zagraniczne o Polsce (Foreign Media on Poland) | volume =XIII | issue =2409 (3162) | pages = | id = | url =http://www.mfa.gov.pl/index.php?page=4169&lang_id=pl&bulletin_id=8&portlet=biuletyn%2Fpokaz | format = | accessdate =2006-01-15 }}</ref>, media <ref name="Tygodnik">{{pl icon}} {{cite journal | author = | year =2005 | month =November | title =Uknuli prowokację | journal =[[Tygodnik Wileńszczyzny]] | volume = | issue = | pages = | id = | url =http://www.tygodnik.lt/200511/aktualia.html | format = | accessdate =2007-01-15 }}</ref><ref name="Mickiewicz">{{pl icon}} {{cite journal | author =Robert Mickiewicz | year =2005 | month =03 | title =Antypolski film w litewskiej telewizji | journal =[[Rzeczpospolita (newspaper)|Rzeczpospolita]] | volume =62 | issue =15.03.2005 | pages = | id = | url =http://www.mfa.gov.pl/index.php?page=6122&lang_id=pl&bulletin_id=11&portlet=biuletyn%2Fpokaz | format = | accessdate =2007-01-15 }}</ref><ref name="Press-review">{{pl icon}} {{cite web | author=various authors | title=Press Review 2005-03-15 | publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland | year=2005 | work=Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs homepage| url=http://www.mfa.gov.pl/index.php?page=6122&lang_id=pl&bulletin_id=11&portlet=biuletyn%2Fpokaz | accessdate=2007-01-15 }}</ref>, and on occasion criticized by the Lithuanian government as well<ref name="Media_2"/>.
The organization is known for controversial actions and statements. In June 1999, it signed a petition defending [[Aleksandras Lileikis]], the former head of Vilnius branch of [[Lithuanian Security Police]] (a [[Lithuania]]n [[Nazi]]-sponsored collaborationist police force that operated from 1941 to 1944)<ref name="Justice">{{en icon}} {{cite news |author = [[United States Department of Justice]] |url = http://www.globalsecurity.org/intell/library/news/1996/960626-302crm.htm |title = Court Revokes U.S. Citizenship of Former Security Police Official |date = 1996-06-26 |accessdate = 2006-06-09}}</ref>, accused of [[Holocaust|extermination of Jews]] and [[Collaborationism|collaboration with the Nazis]] during the [[Second World War]].<ref name="Mudde"/> Vilnija has been seen by Polish government and media to often organize or support [[anti-Polish]] actions<ref name="Media_4">{{pl icon}} {{cite journal | author =Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs | year =2006 | month =10 | title ="Antypolski tekst K. Garsvy" (Anti-polish text by K. Garsva)". Commentary on K.Garsva article "Kiedy na Wileńszczyźnie będzie wprowadzone zarządzanie bezpośrednie? (When Vilnius region will have direct self-government?)" in [[Lietuvos Aidas]], 11 -12.10 | journal =Media zagraniczne o Polsce (Foreign Media on Poland) | volume =XV | issue =200/37062 | pages = | id = | url =http://www.mfa.gov.pl/index.php?page=9370&lang_id=pl&bulletin_id=8&portlet=biuletyn%2Fpokaz | format = | accessdate =2006-01-20 }}</ref><ref name="Cieplak"/><ref name="Vilkas"/> and the academic works of its leader,the philologist [[Kazimieras Garšva]], have been very negatively received by Polish government<ref name="Media_1">{{pl icon}} {{cite journal | author =Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs | year =2005 | month =03 | title ="Armia Krajowa na Litwie - ślepa uliczka historii" - cd. | journal =Media zagraniczne o Polsce (Foreign Media on Poland) | volume =XIV | issue =2539/3292 | pages = | id = | ur =http://www.mfa.gov.pl/index.php?page=4302&lang_id=pl&bulletin_id=8&portlet=biuletyn%2Fpokaz | format = | accessdate =2006-01-15 }}</ref><ref name="Media_2">{{pl icon}} {{cite journal | author =Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs | year =2004 | month =09 | title =Dr Garsva - prezes nacjonalistycznego stowarzyszenia Vilnija (...) | journal =Media zagraniczne o Polsce (Foreign Media on Poland) | volume =XIII | issue =2409 (3162) | pages = | id = | url =http://www.mfa.gov.pl/index.php?page=4169&lang_id=pl&bulletin_id=8&portlet=biuletyn%2Fpokaz | format = | accessdate =2006-01-15 }}</ref>, media <ref name="Tygodnik">{{pl icon}} {{cite journal | author = | year =2005 | month =November | title =Uknuli prowokację | journal =[[Tygodnik Wileńszczyzny]] | volume = | issue = | pages = | id = | url =http://www.tygodnik.lt/200511/aktualia.html | format = | accessdate =2007-01-15 }}</ref><ref name="Mickiewicz">{{pl icon}} {{cite journal | author =Robert Mickiewicz | year =2005 | month =03 | title =Antypolski film w litewskiej telewizji | journal =[[Rzeczpospolita (newspaper)|Rzeczpospolita]] | volume =62 | issue =15.03.2005 | pages = | id = | url =http://www.mfa.gov.pl/index.php?page=6122&lang_id=pl&bulletin_id=11&portlet=biuletyn%2Fpokaz | format = | accessdate =2007-01-15 }}</ref><ref name="Press-review">{{pl icon}} {{cite web | author=various authors | title=Press Review 2005-03-15 | publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland | year=2005 | work=Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs homepage| url=http://www.mfa.gov.pl/index.php?page=6122&lang_id=pl&bulletin_id=11&portlet=biuletyn%2Fpokaz | accessdate=2007-01-15 }}</ref>, and on occasion criticized by the Lithuanian government as well<ref name="Media_2"/>.{{dubious}}


==Specific controversies==
==Specific controversies==

Revision as of 12:09, 4 March 2007

Vilnija is a political organization, consisted from Lithuanians and Poles[1] of Vilnius region; considered by some to be extremist[2][3][4] and nationalist.[5][1][6][7] The organization was formed in 1988, and its primary aim was the Lithuanization[8] of ethnic Poles living in the Eastern part of Lithuania. The organization is composed of ethnic Lithuanians and was created by Romualdas Ozolas[4] was later joined by marginal Polish organization Association of St. Zita; [1] and has been led for many years by Kazimieras Garšva.[3][7][9] Its program, elaborated in a monograph by Garšva[10], is based on their belief that the Polish minority in Lithuania are in fact Polonized Lithuanians and that their true identity had been erased by years of foreign occupation[8]. Although the Polonization of the Vilnius region is proven[11] [12] and it is known that many people who have spoken the special Belarusian dialect "po prostu",(with its many substantial relics from the Lithuanian language), tuteishians, have considered themselves to be Poles[13], Polish demagogues have stated that all these Poles have been living here "for ages" ("od wieków")[14] denying any evidence of multi-ethnic descent of the locals. This came up mostly in the aftermath of politics and attendant self worth declining of "tuteishians", what continue to this day[15]. To counter such situation, the organization proposed that they should be brought back to their Lithuanian roots by removing any trace of alien (that is, Polish or Russian) textbooks, teachers, symbols and traditions [8]. The organization's goal is also to counter perceived growing Polish influence in Lithuania, which Vilnija sees as a threat to that nation. [8]

The organization is known for controversial actions and statements. In June 1999, it signed a petition defending Aleksandras Lileikis, the former head of Vilnius branch of Lithuanian Security Police (a Lithuanian Nazi-sponsored collaborationist police force that operated from 1941 to 1944)[16], accused of extermination of Jews and collaboration with the Nazis during the Second World War.[2] Vilnija has been seen by Polish government and media to often organize or support anti-Polish actions[9][1][4] and the academic works of its leader,the philologist Kazimieras Garšva, have been very negatively received by Polish government[17][18], media [19][20][21], and on occasion criticized by the Lithuanian government as well[18].[dubious – discuss]

Specific controversies

Vilnija takes an interest in the political situation of the Lithuanians of the Vilnius region. Vilnija protests that former Polish autonomists, who it claims illegaly attempted to determine the political autonomy of Poles in May 22, 1991[citation needed], are still in authority in the Election Action of Lithuania's Poles Party[citation needed] and have not yet received what is sees as a proper legal judgment for their anti-constitutional actions[citation needed]. Vilnija claims that this party is composed of for Communists, and is a dictatorship in the districts with Polish majority— (Vilnius district and Šalčininkai district).[citation needed] It points to the fact that Election Action of Lithuania's Poles regularly receives 80-90% of the votes in Vilnius district, although Poles constitutes only 64% of population there.[22] Vilnija says the Election Action of Lithuania's Poles party discourages the integration of the national minorities of Lithuania and constantly tries to present the Polish minority as put-upon[23].

Vilnija often voices concern about the situation of Lithuanian schools in the area.[24][25], the criticism on the Election Action of Lithuania's Poles party, and the Lithuanian government as well.

As Garšva says that local government propagates Polish schools at the expense of Lithuanian schools. He says that frequently larger amounts of money per pupil are allotted to Polish schools in order to attract Lithuanian students, and claims that such financial support of Poland is an interference in the affairs of the Lithuania Republic. The teachers of the Lithuanian schools of the region also see the attempts to attach Lithuanian schools to the Polish schools to be unnatural.[26]Cite error: A <ref> tag is missing the closing </ref> (see the help page). According to him the Lithuanian primary school of Glitiškės with 28 pupils was attached not to the Lithuanian middle school of Glitiškės, but were assigned to the Polish school with 5 pupils and a Polish school principal The middle school of Parudaminis with 46 pupils studying in Lithuanian and 46 in Polish was atached not to the Lithuanian school in Juodšiliai, but to the Polish one.[citation needed]

The counterarguments given represent different view:[27] "by the decree of the Vilnius Municipality the primary school of Glitiškės (with Lithuanian and Polish languages) was attached to the Glitiškės primary school teaching in both the Lithuanian and Polish languages. There where no potential to have the school attached to the middle school in Glitiškės because of it was subordinate to another body, the administraton of Vilnius County. The school principal assigned was the only person having entered the competition. There were no request to study in Lithuanian in the first grade level in 2004-2005 here."[citation needed]

Notes and references

In-line:
  1. ^ a b c d Template:Pl icon Paweł Cieplak. "Polsko-litewskie stosunki (Polish-Lithuanian affairs)". Lithuanian Portal. Retrieved 2007-01-13.
  2. ^ a b Template:En icon Cas Mudde (2005). Racist Extremism in Central and Eastern Europe. London: Routledge (UK). p. 151. ISBN 0415355931. {{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameters: |chapterurl= and |coauthors= (help)
  3. ^ a b [[Template:Pl icon Gazeta Wyborcza, 2001-02-14, Litewska prokuratura przesłuchuje weteranów AK (Lithuanian prosecutor questioning AK veterans), last accessed on 7 June 2006]
  4. ^ a b c Leonardas Vilkas, LITEWSKA, ŁOTEWSKA I ESTOŃSKA DROGA DO NIEPODLEGŁOŚCI I DEMOKRACJI: PRÓBA PORÓWNANIA (Lithuanian, Latvian and Estonian Way to Independence: An Attempt to Compare], on homepage of Jerzy Targalski, professor of University of Warsaw
  5. ^ Template:En icon Karolina Bielenin, dr Jarosław Tomasiewicz. "Polish Minority in Lithuania". zaKORZENIEnie. Stowarzyszenie na rzecz Wielości Kultur. Retrieved 2007-01-13.
  6. ^ Template:Pl icon Katarzyna Zuchowicz. "Pół wieku z polskim słowem (Half a Century With a Polish Word)". Rzeczpospolita (2003-07-16). Retrieved 2007-01-13. {{cite journal}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |month= (help), cited on the official page of the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs
  7. ^ a b Template:Pl icon Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (2006). ""Ustawa o języku państwowym" (Statue on national language) - commentary on [[Vincas Urbutis]] article "Debaty nad ustawą o języku (Debates on the Language Act) " in [[Lietuvos Aidas]], 04 – 07.10". Media zagraniczne o Polsce (Foreign Media on Poland). XV (200/37062). Retrieved 2006-01-20. {{cite journal}}: URL–wikilink conflict (help); Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  8. ^ a b c d Template:En icon Dovile Budryte (2005). Taming Nationalism?: Political Community Building in the Post-Soviet Baltic States. Aldershot: Ashgate Publishing. pp. 147–148. ISBN 0754637573. {{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameters: |chapterurl= and |coauthors= (help)
  9. ^ a b Template:Pl icon Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (2006). ""Antypolski tekst K. Garsvy" (Anti-polish text by K. Garsva)". Commentary on K.Garsva article "Kiedy na Wileńszczyźnie będzie wprowadzone zarządzanie bezpośrednie? (When Vilnius region will have direct self-government?)" in [[Lietuvos Aidas]], 11 -12.10". Media zagraniczne o Polsce (Foreign Media on Poland). XV (200/37062). Retrieved 2006-01-20. {{cite journal}}: URL–wikilink conflict (help); Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  10. ^ Template:Lt icon Kazimieras Garšva (1990). Pietryciu Lietuvos autonomijos klausimai (Questions on the Autonomy of South-Eastern Lithuania). Chicago: Eksperimentines Technikos. {{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameters: |chapterurl= and |coauthors= (help)
  11. ^ Turska H. O powstaniu polskich obszarow językowych na Wilenszczyznie. Wilno, 1939
  12. ^ Z. Zinkevičius „Pietryčių Lietuva nuo seniausių laikų iki mūsų dienų“ „Southeastern Lithuania from ancient times to nowadays“ in „Lietuvos Rytai; straipsnių rinkinys The east of Lithunia; the collection of the articles; Vilnius 1993. ISBN 9986-09-002-4
  13. ^ V. Čekmonas, L. Grumadaitė "Kalbų paplitimas Rytų Lietuvoje" ("The distribution of languages in eastern Lithuania"), in Lietuvos rytai; straipsnių rinkinys (The east of Lithuania; a collection of articles]; Vilnius 1993. ISBN 9986-09-002-4
  14. ^ Z. Zinkevičius „Pietryčių Lietuva nuo seniausių laikų iki mūsų dienų“ (Southeastern Lithuania from ancient times to nowadays) in „Lietuvos Rytai; straipsnių rinkinys (The east of Lithuania; a collection of the articles); Vilnius 1993. ISBN 9986-09-002-4
  15. ^ V. Čekmonas, L. Grumadaitė "Kalbų paplitimas Rytų Lietuvoje" ("The distribution of languages in eastern Lithuania"], in Lietuvos rytai; straipsnių rinkinys (The east of Lithuania; a collection of articles); Vilnius 1993. ISBN 9986-09-002-4
  16. ^ Template:En icon United States Department of Justice (1996-06-26). "Court Revokes U.S. Citizenship of Former Security Police Official". Retrieved 2006-06-09.
  17. ^ Template:Pl icon Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (2005). ""Armia Krajowa na Litwie - ślepa uliczka historii" - cd". Media zagraniczne o Polsce (Foreign Media on Poland). XIV (2539/3292). {{cite journal}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |ur= ignored (help)
  18. ^ a b Template:Pl icon Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (2004). "Dr Garsva - prezes nacjonalistycznego stowarzyszenia Vilnija (...)". Media zagraniczne o Polsce (Foreign Media on Poland). XIII (2409 (3162)). Retrieved 2006-01-15. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  19. ^ Template:Pl icon "Uknuli prowokację". Tygodnik Wileńszczyzny. 2005. Retrieved 2007-01-15. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  20. ^ Template:Pl icon Robert Mickiewicz (2005). "Antypolski film w litewskiej telewizji". Rzeczpospolita. 62 (15.03.2005). Retrieved 2007-01-15. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  21. ^ Template:Pl icon various authors (2005). "Press Review 2005-03-15". Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs homepage. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland. Retrieved 2007-01-15.
  22. ^ Autonomininkai diktuoja sąlygas (the autonomists dictate the terms) www.xxiamzius.lt
  23. ^ Geresnio gyvenimo troškulys (The thirst for a better life) www.xxiamzius.lt
  24. ^ Už augantį lenkiškų mokyklų mokinių skaičių politikai gauna premijas (The politicians receive premiums for the growing number of the pupils of the Polish schools) www.delfi.lt
  25. ^ Ministrės pečius užgulė Vilniaus krašto mokyklų problemos (The problems of the schools of Vilnius region shouldered by the minister) www.delfi.lt
  26. ^ Už augantį lenkiškų mokyklų mokinių skaičių politikai gauna premijas (The politicians receive premiums for the growing number of the pupils of the Polish schools) www.delfi.lt
  27. ^ The Ministrės pečius užgulė Vilniaus krašto mokyklų problemos The problems of the schools of Vilnius region shouldered by the minister The first commentary www.delfi.lt
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