Recent headlines demonstrate that the oil and gas supplies to Eastern European nations can be shut off with the mere flip of a switch.This type of coercion must be stopped – we must use political pressure in the short term to police Russia and over the long term, lower dependence on the Russian energy supplies.
JBANC's 2007 Conference will feature panels of experts who will highlight and publicize the problems caused by coercive energy policies.Other experts will examine the Baltics' options for lowering their dependence on Russian oil and gas. Others will explore the use of biofuels and alternative energy sources. Our special keynote speaker will be Lithuanian President Valdas Adamkus, who will share his vision of Baltic energy security and discuss how energy independence is a guarantee of political independence.
The showing of documentary films as well as discussions with documentary film makers, video and oral history project creators, historians,and journalists will demonstrate some of the ways in which various media can be used to document the legacy of communism.
To be sure, no JBANC conference would be complete without general information on recent political developments in the Baltic region and updates on other important JBANC projects.The conference program will include areas of interest for everyone.
We look forward to seeing you on Saturday, February 10, 2007 at the L ’Enfant Plaza Hotel in Washington D.C. for the 2007 JBANC Conference on Baltic Energy Security and the Legacy of Communism. That same evening we invite you to attend the American Baltic Celebration 2007 Gala Awards Dinner & Silent Auction honoring Lithuanian President Valdas Adamkus at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Washington, D.C., sponsored by the U.S.-Baltic Foundation.
PETERIS BLUMBERGS
(Excerpt from Chairman's Corner, JBANC Chronicle Number 33)
Conference registration includes:
Briefing by State Department and Bush Administration officials on developments in the Baltics from the American perspective, on Friday afternoon (February 9) at the State Department.
Documentary Film Festival at the Woodrow Wilson Center (in the Reagan Building), following the State Department briefing, featuring works by Dzintra Geka, Imbi Paju, Andrei Nekrasov, and others. The filmmakers and experts will participate in the following screenings.
Friday Evening Reception at Wilson Center, featuring Baltic beer, and other refreshments.
Full-day conference on Saturday (February 10) devoted to the latest issues affecting the Baltic countries and Baltic-Americans. Panel topics include: energy security in the Baltic region, energy alternatives, the Russian-Baltic relationship, and the documentation of the victims of communism. Panel participants include Baltic and U.S. government officials, prominent academics and journalists.
Keynote address by Lithuanian President Valdas Adamkus.
Lunch and coffee at the L'Enfant Plaza Hotel.
***
To register, please fill out attached form and return to JBANC by February 1, 2007.
The registration fee is $125. Late registration (after 2/1/07) is $150.
Conference rate of $149 per night is available at L'Enfant Plaza Hotel through Jan. 19, 2007 by calling 800-635-5065.
Hotel info @ http://www.lenfantplazahotel.c...
***
For more information contact JBANC
http://jbanc.org tel.: 301-340 1954 * 400 Hurley Avenue, Rockville, MD 20850
Note: The registration form for the conference is to be found on JBANC's website.