The French officials made an apology due to mixing up Lithuania’s national flag upside down in the office of French President Sarkozy during ceremony of signing the Lithuanian French Strategic Partnership agreement on September 4.  This was confirmed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Usackas during the government’s question-and-answer session at the parliament on September 10.

Mr Usackas stated “The incident did no go unnoticed but please note that the signing ceremony did not take place in Lithuania’s territory or at our embassy – it was held in the office of President Sarkozy where we have no power and access to changing or hoisting of flags. I can only say that relevant French officials have apologized for the improper and disrespectful behaviour” delfi.lt said.

According to the Lithuanian law desecration of the Lithuanian national flag is a punishable offence.