Energy, Legislation, Lithuania, Nuclear power plant

It seems that even the highest authorities have something to hide. Svedas' resignation did not come as a surprise to President Dalia Grybauskaite as she said it after a meeting with the Board of the Seimas yesterday, informs LETA/ELTA, referring to Kauno diena.

"I value people who mange to deal with any challenges in any situation and finish the work they have started," Grybauskaite commented on the former diplomat's decision. The president spoke emotionally when asked to evaluate Ciuksys' statements about the chaos in the plant. "Mr Ciuksys started his career not from his job, but from talks about high pay. This is how he ended what he started," Grybauskaite said. According to the president, the situation shows clear inability to cope with challenges. However, the president views Energy Minister Arvydas Sekmokas favourably, though he pushes his subordinates as domino dice.

Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius said he regretted Svedas' resignation. "I see Svedas as a good professional and I regret his choice. But, as in a basketball team, if someone asks for a replacement, he is replaced," Kubilius said. The prime minister, meanwhile, referred to Ciuksys' comments about the disorder in the Ignalina nuclear plant as politicking. Head of the Special Investigation Service Zimantas Pacevicius said Wednesday that Ciuksys was involved in a pre-trial investigation which had been launched. It was earlier said that the pre-trial investigation into a deal with a security service at the annual value of LTL 130,000 had been initiated in June.