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Vilnius mayor Arturas Zuokas proposes a motion to expand Lithuania‘s frontiers by buying one of the islands from Greece. The head of the capital already has his eye on an island costing 7 million Euros (approx. 24 million Litas). It is suggested to name the island Dausuva and the purchase of it could be funded by the business sector. The island would be considered as a part of Vilnius city which is indebted nearly 382 million Litas, delfi.lt wrote on 7 October.

The idea was presented by A. Zuokas in the conference “Versli Lietuva” (“Entrepreneurial Lithuania”). According to mayor, the private business sector could sponsor acquisition and the would-be Dausuva could be registered land of the Government of Lithuania.

Lithuanians then would have a great recreational place, business people would get new investment opportunities, and the country would benefit from marketing.

A. Zuokas proposition is based on the idea that arose a century ago.

“In the beginning of the 20^th century the president of Lithuania’s geographers’ association Kazys Pakstas decided that Lithuanians should search for a more secure territory and settle a colony there. He gave a concept of finding an area partly dependent from Lithuania and creating a paradise for Lithuanians there. At first the geographer had chosen Cuba, then he wanted to embody his idea in Sao Paulo (Brazil), Angola or Madagascar. K. Pakstas named this utopian place Dausuva. Why not pursuing this idea?,” – A. Zuokas is quoted in report issued by the municipality of the capital city.

Calculations carried out by mayor reveal that the cost of the island without bargaining would be 6,9 million Euros. The sum could be collected from the private citizens or enterprises which would receive entitlement for development in return.

Dausuva is suggested to be annexed not only to the territory of Lithuania but also to Vilnius city. It could be the township no. 22. This resembles Hawaiian Islands that became the 51^st state of America in the last century.

“The value of the island equals the value of the former Vilniaus Vingis factory site near the Vingis Park. However, the value-added is immeasurably greater. Dausuva could house branches of organisations such as bureau of Lithuanian tourism, Druskininkai SPA, Contemporary Arts Centre, Opera and Balet, Fluxus Ministry, Klaipeda Yacht Club. It could also become a home of Lithuanian Ambassador in Greece, location for winter season camps of Sea Troops or seniors, as well as location for Solar Energy Research centre, sanatoriums and other various projects. Moreover, the island could become the 22^nd township of Vilnius. We are projecting to find an elder of this township in the near future.” – A. Zuokas contemplated.

Nevertheless, buying the island would allow Lithuania to filch some of the European funds from financially collapsing Greece.

National debt totals near 41 billion litas

The municipality of Vilnius reports that the length of “probable Dausuva” is almost 6 km and the width varies from 0,7 to 1,5 km. The area of the island is slightly less than that of Trakai and reaches 7km squared. Three airports are situated 30-60km from the island and a major city – Patras – is at the distance of 21km.

The government is not yet considering the acquisition of the island from the indebted Greece. Meanwhile, the debt of Lithuania itself counts up to 41 billion litas.