Geneva (ICRC) - The President of Lithuania, Mr Algirdas Mykolas Brazauskas, today visited the headquarters of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), where he was received by President Cornelio Sommaruga.

In his welcoming address, the ICRC President thanked the Government of Lithuania for its interest in humanitarian issues. He mentioned the responsibilities incumbent on Lithuania as a State party to the Geneva Conventions, in particular the dissemination of international humanitarian law, the adoption of legislative measures necessary for implementing the law, and the duty to ensure respect for its provisions in countries in conflict by backing the work of international bodies. Mr Sommaruga pointed out that ICRC activities depended largely on the goodwill and support of States, and went on to stress the importance of cooperation with the Lithuanian Red Cross to help the Society develop its operational capacity throughout the country.

In his reply, President Brazauskas paid tribute to the ICRC for its work in numerous crisis situations around the globe. The Lithuanian Head of State also reaffirmed his government's full support for the ICRC's humanitarian action.