New political party of Russian-speaking citizens registered in Lithuania

The Lithuanian Ministry of Justice registered a new political party - the Alliance of Russians. This is the 36th political party in that country and the second party of Russian-speaking citizens in Lithuania.

The Union of Russians in Lithuania alone operated in that country previously, which has its representatives in the parliament.

The charter of the new political party indicates that it will strive for ensuring conditions for residents of different nationalities, maintain and develop spiritual values, protect human rights and freedoms, and strive for social justice and well-being of all citizens of the country.

The Alliance of Russians centre is situated in the port of Klaipeda, whose area borders on the Kaliningrad region (Russia's exclave on the Baltics). The new political party is headed by teacher Tamara Lokhankina.

Politicians believe that the Alliance of Russians plans to nominate its candidates at the elections of local self-government bodies to be held along with the presidential election in Lithuania on December 22, 2002.