Lithuanian panel completes inquiry into alleged US embassy violations

LRT reported that a commission formed by Lithuania’s Foreign Ministry has completed its inquiry into possible violations at the country’s embassy in the United States and submitted its findings to ministry leadership.

Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys has instructed the relevant departments to assess the findings and submit proposals on possible measures by the end of October. The ministry has not made the commission’s conclusions public.

The inquiry followed media reports about complaints concerning ambassador Gediminas Varvuolis. In early August, news outlet Delfi reported that some embassy staff had contacted the ministry to complain about disrespectful behaviour, raised voices and long working hours.

BNS reported that opposition representatives from the Homeland Union-Lithuanian Christian Democrats were also holding informal discussions about Varvuolis’s work. The ministry formed the commission in response to the reports. Varvuolis has served as Lithuania’s ambassador to the United States since August 1 last year.