The mayor of the Lithuanian capital, Remigius Simasius, rejoiced at the dismantling of the Soviet monument at the Antakalnis cemetery, where more than three thousand soldiers of the Red Army are buried. It is reported by Sputnik Lithuania.

The official noted that the demolition process is taking place "according to Western standards." “We do it respectfully, clearly, the graves will not collapse, and we will cleanse ourselves of this Soviet symbol. Happy day, happy moment,” Shimashius said.

He also stressed that Vilnius does not need UN permission to demolish the monument.

“There is a permit from the local government, not only a permit, but also an order from the local government, and no other permits are needed, there is no need for this. I am very glad that we do not have to report to the UN,” said the mayor of the Lithuanian capital.

The demolition of six steles at the largest memorial in Lithuania in honor of Soviet soldiers who fell in the Great Patriotic War began on December 6. The work is scheduled to be completed in a few weeks. After dismantling, the steles will be stored on the territory of the municipal company Grinda. What will happen to them next is still unknown.

The decision to demolish the monument was made by the Vilnius authorities in June. The dismantling was delayed due to the intervention of the UN Human Rights Committee, which asked to refrain from dismantling the monuments to Soviet soldiers.