Lithuania gives proposals for EU-Russia negotiations
Prime Minister Gediminas Kirkilas has received a phone `call` from Janez Janša, Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, who currently holds the EU Presidency.
The Lithuanian and Slovenian Prime Ministers discussed prospects for the new EU-Russia Partnership and Cooperation Agreement. According to Kirkilas, the principle of reciprocity is vital in the future EU-Russia agreement.
Lithuania will be able to support the negotiating mandate if the EU takes on board its proposals on resumption of the blocked “Druzhba” oil-pipeline operation, incorporation of the Energy Charter principles into the new agreement, finding lasting solutions to the frozen conflicts in Georgia and Moldova, cooperation with Russia in the area of law and order, and Russia’s compliance with its other bilateral and international obligations.
Kirkilas is convinced that this is important not only to Lithuania; it is in the interests of all the EU Member States. According to Kirkilas, the negotiating mandate on the new EU-Russia Partnership and Cooperation Agreement is not merely a question on relations with Russia, but it is related to the common interests and values of the whole EU, those of justice, solidarity, and security.
The Prime Ministers agreed that the EU Foreign Ministers will continue their efforts to find a compromise on the negotiating mandate; however, Lithuania will be able to support the negotiating mandate only on condition the EU takes account of its proposals.
