Mr Adamkus can do less about events at home on which the image ultimately depends.

ECONOMIST: Lithuania: Outsider in | The

Mr Vagnorius endorsed Mr Adamkus before the election, prompting speculation that the two men had agreed on a political truce.

ECONOMIST: Lithuania: Outsider in | The

The Lithuanian President Valdas Adamkus then presented Mr Bush with the Cross of the Order of Vytautas the Great, Lithuania's highest honour.

BBC: Bush welcomes Lithuania into Nato

Besides, Mr Adamkus would need parliamentary support to change important officials, like the interior minister, and that he is unlikely to get.

ECONOMIST: Lithuania: Outsider in | The

Mr Adamkus is well qualified to charm these western clubs.

ECONOMIST: Lithuania: Outsider in | The

Mr Adamkus, by contrast, lacks a local political base.

ECONOMIST: Lithuania: Outsider in | The

Mr Adamkus will look to Washington and Brussels.

ECONOMIST: Lithuania: Outsider in | The