BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS

DATE:

09/03/2007

Lithuanian and Austrian presidents discuss energy safety and EU neighborhood policy issues

By TBT staff

President of the Republic of Lithuania Valdas Adamkus, currently on a working visit to Vienna, on March 8 met with Austrian President Heinz Fischer to discuss energy safety issues and neighborhood policy of the EU.

Speaking about problems of energy security, the Lithuanian President noted that Lithuania was trying to maintain constructive and benevolent relations with Russia.

"Lithuania is a partner of the European Union in the energy area, nevertheless it is important to ensure that cooperation with Russia was pursued according to equal rules of a game, based on principles of competition, transparency and non-discrimination," underlined Mr. Adamkus.

According to President Adamkus, diversification of energy supply sources and energy balance is one of the most important elements of energy security. The Head of State noted that Lithuania was planning to build a modern third block of its nuclear power plant in order to ensure greater energy security.

Presidents of Lithuania and Austria also discussed the EU enlargement. In Adamkus' opinion the membership prospect was very important to the Western Balkans, Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia.

President Adamkus noted that Lithuania welcomed attempts to establish a new status of Kosovo and encouraged Belgrade and Pristina representatives to demonstrate good will and ability to seek for a compromise in solving this sensitive issue. The Lithuanian President underlined that the decision on Kosovo status was unique and should not be applied in resolving other disagreements.

Presidents of Lithuania and Austria also discussed about the hot spots of the world and shared their thoughts about possible ways to resolve existing conflicts.

Presidents also talked about the future of the EU and the fate of the Constitution for Europe. Mr. Adamkus assured the Austrian President that Lithuania supported Germany's efforts.

"I hope that Berlin Declaration dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome will speed up the constitutional process of the European Union," said President Adamkus.

The Heads of State talked about the EU Neighborhood Policy and discussed issues of democracy consolidation in the East of Europe. Speaking about the situation in Belarus, President Adamkus noted that total isolation of Belarus cannot be justified and we should look for other cooperation mechanisms between the EU and Belarus.

"The fact that Belarus does not fall into the scope of the EU Neighborhood Policy causes concern. We should not isolate our neighbor from the rest of the world," said the Lithuanian President.

The Lithuanian President assured Mr. Fischer that Lithuania supported Austria's candidacy for the UN Security Council membership in 2009-2010 and expressed hope that Austria would also support Lithuania's aspirations to become a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in 2014-2015.

President Adamkus invited Mr. Fischer to visit Lithuania in 2009 when the Lithuanian capital Vilnius and the Austrian City Linz will be named the European Capitals of Culture. The Austrian President accepted this invitation with pleasure.

Source:

http://www.baltictimes.com/news/articles/17482/