About Catalonia through the prism of Lithuania's independence
@ politico.eu
Next year on February 16, Lithuania will celebrate its 100th anniversary of its independence. In the sense of the state life this is not a long period of time. Between 1917 and 1918 Lithuanians, and all the Baltic nations, were very favourable. World War I was taking place, Lithuania was occupied by Germany, Latvia was divided between the two warring parties. Why was it success for Baltic ? Both warlords were tired of a long war. The pretext for completing it has already been. In Russia has taken place February Revolution. Tsar Nicholas II repudiated the throne and was established Russian republic. In November 1917 , Bolsheviks committed a military coup. When the civil war began in Russia. Lenin has announced the nations right to self-determination. Lithuania , on the background of all these parapets, declares its independence on February 16, 1918. The independence was recognised by Germany in 1918 March 23, but with some reservations. The unconditional recognition of independence was carried out only in November 1918. When Germany signs its capitulation in the war. Soviet Russia recognised Lithuanians independence only July 12, 1920.
Lithuania has got independence for its favourable geopolitical situation, for its own language, its own territory. All so Lithuania did not agree that it could be part of Germany or Russia. Similar cases were argued in the cases of Latvia and Estonia. The only difference was that neither Latvia nor Estonia had not their states until than.
The kingdom of Castile and Aragon, 1210.
Now lets go back to Catalonia. Lets answer the question why we could look at this question through the Baltic prism ?
Catalan speaks its own language, has its own territory. Catalonia historically is the continuation of the kingdom of Aragon. They were constantly fighting with Castillo. At the end of the XV has taken place marriage of royal dynasties, the kingdoms of Aragon (Ferdinand II) and Castillo (Isabele I) merged.
Isabella meeting Columbus @ wikipedia
This merger seems not to have been legally defined. It was eventually dominated by one side, Castillo. What caused the insurrection. Finally the Catalan authorities were abolished.
A 15th century miniatur with Catalan Courts
Lets go back to Lithuania. Lithuania in the XVI century was known as The Grand Duchy of Lithuania. The country had a relatively large area in Europe, but was poorly populated. Have fallen into a regular war with Moscow. Lithuanian no longer able to stand alone and seeking allies, Asking for help to the Polish. The Grand Duchy of Lithuania forms union with kingdom of Poland. It was not union by the marriage. The unions agreement clearly defined who is the ruler and how king becomes.
The Statut of Grand Duchy of Lithuania, 1588
The Catalonia is waiting to express their right to self-determination.But they need not only a referendum, they still have to negotiate with Spain, the successor of the Castillo. That is possible illustrate the history of Lithuania. As well as the history of the entire Baltic States in twentieth century. These states have restored their independence twice.
I wish you to be patience in this journey. I was very delight in your song, Ara es lhora.
Its melody was borrowed from our Latvians nabers.
Post scrip tum.
It is sad, that is unclear Europeans Unions position in all this. It was told, it is Spain's domestic affair and the rule of law must prevail. I think such a position is unfair. Reflecting the interests of one side, Spain. It could be an example Scotland's case. When Scottish decided to hold a referendum, the British did not resisted. This position has taken bonuses for the Britain. What kind of bonuses will be paid to Spaniards, will soon be seen. I hope it will not be Castiles domination times, or even worse, Franco. The argument that Catalonia can not violate the constitution is inadequate. This constitution was created by Catalonia's people, they have full right to change it.
Comments
Post a Comment