Why do we participate in international operations?

Why do we participate in international operations?

In all episodes of its history, the state of Lithuania had to pay a particular attention to its security. Fortunately, the Lithuanian nation succeeded in showing its political will and after long years spent under foreign oppression, the statehood representing willpower of Lithuanian people was restored.
Steady efforts are necessary in developing capabilities of National Defence System and in ensuring effectiveness of security and collective defence associations, such as NATO and the UN in order to enhance security and to ensure consistent development of the country.

Threats to security in the modern world still persist but their scope and character have changed. Countries and their citizens are mainly threatened by terrorism, proliferation of massive destruction weapons, and weak and unstable countries. Terrorist attacks in the USA, the UK and Spain proved the potential of modern threats. Distances between regions and countries �shrank� in the contemporary world affected by globalization processes. Because of progress of advanced technologies threat can reach from geographically remote and historically not related regions.

The most effective prevention and fight with threats of international character require international cooperation. XXI century needs to face the crucial challenge of active neutralization of threats in their birthplace, which requires political will and coordinated action of the countries in employing a wide range of means - from economical to military.

Lithuania as an active member of international and transatlantic community understand and support collective efforts to increase international security and stability simultaneously preventing the threat of becoming an object for potential threat too. Lithuanian Armed Forces as one of organisations implementing the means of Lithuanian foreign and security policy prepare and take part in peace-keeping operations in various regions of the world.

Lithuanian soldiers take part in international operations since 1994. Currently there are more than 300 soldiers sent to international operations and missions in Afghanistan, Iraq, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Georgia; Lithuanian officers work in NATO and the EU staffs. Our soldiers serving in crises regions gain priceless experience, enhance professionalism and effectiveness of the organisations, and improve relations with the allies.

Number of Lithuanian soldiers deployed to international missions

Country	Number of soldiers
Afghanistan
ISAF	165
Totally in Afghanistan:	165
Iraq
�Iraqi Freedom�	4
NTM-I	4
Totally in Iraq:	8
Balkans
EUFOR �ALTHEA�	1
KFOR HQ	34
Totally in Balkans:	35
Georgia
UNOMIG	2
In total:	210

Legal base

Participation of Lithuanian soldiers and civilians working in the Armed Forces in international missions and operations is regulated by Legal Acts of the Republic of Lithuania and organized in accordance with the national security interests of Lithuania as well as with decisions of NATO, the EU, OSCE, the UN or the allies concerning employment of armed forces in international operations and missions.
Law of the Republic of Lithuania on international operations, exercises and other events of military cooperation is the main law regulating �participation of military units, soldiers and civilian personnel of the national defence system of the Republic of Lithuania in international operations, exercise and other events of military cooperation, as well as participation of military units, soldiers and civilian personnel working for national armed forces of foreign countries in international operations, exercise and other events of military cooperation in the territory of the Republic of Lithuania�.
By decision No. X-1184 passed on 14 June 2007 Lithuanian Seym allowed to send military units composed of soldiers and civilians working in military structures of the Republic of Lithuania to international operations in the regions of the Balkans, Central and South Asia, South Caucasus and Gulf. The same decision established general maximal size of the Lithuanian military units valid until 31 December 2010, the size is up to 420 soldiers and civilians employed in armed forces.
By decision No. X-744 LR passed on 4 July 2006 Seym resolved to send up to 100 Lithuanian soldiers and civilians employed in military structures for operations in regions indicated by decision of the North Atlantic Council or the European Union Council in case of North Atlantic Council deciding to send NRF or NATO staff personnel in international operations, or in case of the European Union Council deciding to send personnel of military EU headquarters to international operation. This decision of Seym is valid until 30 September 2008.