Best day in fighting for independence of Lithuania ?
"The best day will be when the Soviet army leaves Lithuania. The worst day and night was in January 1991, when the Soviet army murdered defenceless citizens, when we felt from the east a merciless wind, and from the west we felt all attention focused on the Persian Gulf. I believe the best day is still to come. there have been good days, but the very best day has still to come."

14 Lithuanians killed. What threat does Army cause ? Withdrawal. Can CIS army be split up ?
"If circumstances in the former Soviet Union were to change, a danger. presence of Soviet army on our soil is a threat. They are causing ecological and economical damage to our country, scaring off western investors. If Russia wants to harm Lithuania, they just need to keep the army on our soil. the withdrawal process has not yet begun. the first withdrawal is a laughable figure. Take into consideration the number of Soviet troops on our soil. What can help here is international opinion and the attention of democratic nations. A serious withdrawal will only be hurried up with the goodwill of the country which must withdraw the troops - CIS under jurisdiction of Russia, who we do not thing will delay the withdrawal.

Negative aspects of gaining freedom. We have thrown off a chain, but we have new problems - we want these as an independent state and will solve them ourselves.

Why are so many former Communists and KGB members still working in government organisations ?
"Nobody is forbidding former members of the Communist party to work in Lithuania. As regards KGB, very few are working in official government positions. This concerns several suggestions in discussion in our parliament which have not yet been put into action."

Introduction of new currency after price stabilisation ?
At present the Rouble is still being used, we are prepared to introduce our own currency, carrying the same name (Litas) as the pre-war stable currency. We will be able to introduce this confidently, if we get the support of a stabilisation fund. It will be a convertible currency. It will happen this year, perhaps before the summer. We do not have very much time. It is connected with our entry into the IMF and world bank - purely routine and procedure.

How safe would my investment as a foreigner be in Lithuania, considering that the Soviet army is still there ?
You can invest into a joint-venture, or fully foreign owned, into converted industries or ones being privatised. Your investment will be protected by Lithuanian laws. It cannot be nationalised or requisitioned. We have bilateral agreements on investment with Sweden, Germany and America. You would have a double guarantee. We have to reconstruct our building industry.

Königsberg / Kaliningrad has no common border with Russia. How does this influence life in Lithuania ?
We have a special agreement with Russia regarding transit and energy etc. There are two countries between Russia and Kaliningrad. It is difficult and dangerous for us. The region must be demilitarised, for the benefit of all citizens of the area.

Why do you travel so much abroad ? What use is it for us in Lithuania ?
My trips to the west are mainly official or work journeys, to attend Economic Forum, Strasbourg etc. These give us the chance to show Lithuania's problems and arouse interest . show our desire to  All of these are a step towards the signing of agreements. As to journalists travelling with me, that depends on finances. I cannot use state money to pay for them to come with me. If they pay themselves, they will be warmly welcomed.

Was gaining independence a result of the Coup ?
"I don't believe that. We regained independence because of the determination of it's people. It took use 50 years. There were many victims. The August coup was only the final full stop, which helped western nations to recognise our independence.

Vilnius was called "Jerusalem of Europe" many Jews were killed during the war. Your family did a lot to help the Jews. What is the situation today ?
As far as the community here goes, they have the same rights as any minority. They have regained the museum closed down the Soviets. It is funded by Lithuania. They have their own newspaper and synagogues. They have been given a building for their own cultural centre. We want them to feel all right in Lithuania.

Dual nationality possible ?
If he has lived in Lithuania for ten years, a foreigner can gain Citizenship. he must reject former citizenship. There are other rules on regaining citzenship from pre-1940 Lithuania.

Is Lithuania planning to become a member of the former Soviet union east european economic block ?
"No. The citizens would have no support for such a plan. We have good relations with our neighbours in Eastern Europe. I don't know who I should give priority to. All trade relations helping to stimulate trade, not contrary to the laws of our country are welcome. We are not about to give privileges to anybody."

Do the Russians have the same rights as your people ?
"All citizens of Lithuania have the same rights, regardless of nationality, religion or anything else. A good many have already decided to become citizens of our country. The process is straightforward. We are getting requests from individuals married to Lithuanian citizens. This is good enough  - they have a special dispensation from the Lithuanian Supreme Council."

Do you still have time to play the piano ?
"I don't have time for that, and I really was a very bad pianist. I can't play every day. If I can spare a few minutes, I find I can't play very serious pieces. I hope to return to my previous role as an academic at the conservatory. I am on extended holiday without pay. I doubt it will happen."

Have many émigrés been returning to Lithuania ?
"... Young people born abroad are also coming here, taking on a love of Lithuania from parents and grandparents. Everyone is welcome.

Is there now religious freedom in Lithuania ?
"There is complete freedom, according to our Constitution ans our laws. Every religious group is free to proclaim their own views and form their own communities."

Elections to strengthen democracy, since parliament was elected under Communist occupation.
"Elections are drawing close. Many parties in parliament are talking about possibilites this spring. It is important to check on the representation in the country in the parliament. It is disproportional. It is time to check on these processes.

How can you be independent from Russia if dependent on her for raw materials ?
"Lithuania is an independent state. Obviously we don't want to have the Russian army in our country. Raw materials are necessary, they can be in Russia or elsewhere. We want to keep good relations with russia. We are continuing to produce for Russia. There are areas of dependence; these should be called bilateral cooperation.

What do you think of Gorbachev and Shevardnadze ?
Gorbachev is a complicated political figure. His place in history will be very noted, but at the same time there are contradictions. There are times when he went history, times when he took a  different path. Shevardnadze. can have a very clear benificial role in Georgia, as the head of the leadership, bringing together the various forces, ; an early wish. Early elections to the Parliament will have to recognise this.

How do you see the Slovak attempts to leave the Federation. Similarities with your country ?
"No, I can't see similarities. We were occupied, annexed by the use of force by a totalitarian regime. Slovakia is combined with Chechia in one state without the use of force. Those who want to separate have the right to propogate their right of view. My position concurrs with that of President Havel.

Terrritorial conflicts between Poland and Lithuania.
"We have no territorial misunderstanding. Our foreign minister signed an agreement on 13th jan with poland. This talks about recognition of borders and territorial integrity. There are certain radical forces in both countries. They ill not be able to make our relations worse, despite positions sometimes being put in the wrong way.

Reviving economy in a time of world recession.
Economic as well as social and political reform. Privatisation of a monopoly. Agrarian reform has also taken place. We hope the free market will stimulate the revival of the economy and use our resources

Conflict of people with power not taking decisions with those wanting to make decisions having no power.