Energy, EU – Baltic States, Lithuania

Angela Merkel and Valdas Adamkus.

The two heads of state underlined that Russia’s decision to recognize the “independence” of Georgia’s two administrative regions, South Ossetia and Abkhazia, was completely unacceptable because it was in gross violation of the principles of international law. They reiterated their firm support of Georgia’s territorial integrity within internationally recognized borders, informed BC Press Service of the President.

 

“After my conversation with the German Chancellor I have hope that the European Union will demonstrate its united and resolute stand at a time when a sovereign European nation is being divided and aggression against it legalized. It violates the principles of cooperation adhered to by the United Nations, the European Council, and the OSCE and it does not comply with EU and Russia’s and NATO and Russia’s partnership obligations. Therefore these organizations have to evaluate at the highest level their relationship with Russia and decide on its future course,” Mr. Adamkus said.

President Adamkus pointed out that support for Georgia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty had become an issue of EU’s moral responsibly.

Valdas Adamkus and Angela Merkel also noted that Russia had to honor all of its commitments and withdraw troops from Georgia. “The withdrawal of Russian troops and the presence of EU peacekeepers would help regulate the conflict in George,” Mr. Adamkus said.  

President Adamkus told Chancellor Merkel about the energy situation expected to emerge in Lithuania after 2009 and Lithuania's efforts to find a way out of this situation, specifically about Lithuania‘s plans to construct a new nuclear power plant and build electricity connections with Poland and Sweden.

“As regards natural gas, it is mostly important for us to link up to the Polish gas pipeline. We hope this project to become a priority European project,” Mr. Adamkus said.

The other issues touched upon included relations between Lithuania and Germany and their development perspectives, the future of the EU and the implementation of the Lisbon Treaty, and future prospects for deepening EU relations with its eastern neighbors.