Lithuania's Genocide and Resistance Research Centre is studying sensitive issues and therefore has to be particularly scrupulous in its research, says Adas Jakubauskas, a candidate to take over the institution's helm.
“This institution has a very sensitive mission. To my mind, it's an honorary institution of Lithuania, therefore, it's very important to make sure it performs the functions that the Seimas delegated to it by law,” he told MPs on Thursday.
The Genocide and Resistance Research Centre of Lithuania investigates manifestations of genocide, crimes against humanity, persecution of Lithuania's population during the years of occupation 1940–1990, and also the processes of armed and unarmed resistance against the occupations.
The centre also gives legal assessment about organisers and perpetrators of genocide.
Jakubauskas says the centre investigates all periods of occupation, which are very sensitive issues.
“There are many sensitive issues and, therefore, I believe the centre should base its actions on professional conclusions. I would therefore like urge the community of historians to get involved,” Jakubauskas said.
“There should be no speculation, information should be checked and double-checked and only then published,” he added.
The Genocide and Resistance Research Centre should focus more on studying resistance to the Soviet occupation, he believes.
If approved, Jakubauskas will replace the centre's current director Teresė Birutė Burauskaitė on July 1.
Under the law, the centre's director is appointed for a five-year term.
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