Energy, EU – Baltic States, Latvia, Lithuania

The meeting of Baltic presidents in Siauliai.

"If Lithuania is capable to offer a transparent project that is beneficial also for us, we are not going to categorically insist on the cable to be built from Latvia," Zatlers explained.

According to the president, Latvia will not repeat the same situation as with the Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant, when Lithuania hesitated too long before taking any decision.

Zatlers pointed out, in case energy cable construction is entrusted to Lithuania, it has to be made sure that Lithuanians will not step back from the agreed plans, will not hesitate to accomplish the project and that there will be no problems with use of the cable.

It is also crucial to prevent any possible future conflicts regarding the cable's use. Zatlers reveals certain skepticism about possibility of a smooth outcome of the project, commenting: "Lithuanians cannot juggle all the balls they have in their hands, they have gathered too many."

The president said that there could be more clarity about the project after the oncoming Baltic States' prime ministers meeting.

President of Lithuania Valdas Adamkus in his turn expressed hope that his country would soon solve its interior problems related to energy projects, that is, the energy connection with Sweden and the new nuclear power plant in Lithuania.

Adamkus said he understands that each day of postponing the project is a loss for the residents of the Baltic States.

President of Estonia Toomas Hendrik Ilves urged Latvia and Lithuania to come to an agreement regarding the energy link with Sweden so that a joint Baltic-Nordic energy market could be developed. Also Tallinn is looking forward to decision regarding Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant as well.