Data released by the Lithuanian Department of Statistics earlier today has confirmed that GDP Q2 growth was 1.1 per cent up against the same period last year, and 6.6 per cent up against the Q1 this year.

"I am pleased with the results of the ongoing economic recovery, proving that we are on the right track, and that the Lithuanian economy is climbing out of the recession, and, finally, that our economic stimulus plan is working. It will certainly require our further steadfast efforts and time to tame current unemployment and budget deficit. Then, the bare statistic figures of growth will translate into palpable results for the population."- said Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius.

According to the Prime Minister, unemployment, the lowest as it is among the Baltic states, still lingers high, and the Government is determined to continue promoting creation of new jobs, foreign investment and reducing red tape for business.

With reference to the above statistics, Advisor to the Prime Minister Mykolas Majauskas has pointed out that despite the economic recovery, the budget deficit remains very high and one of the largest in the EU, thus calling for further consolidation of public finances next year through a reform of state property management, which has revealed significant negligence; through fight against smuggling; and energetic efforts to boost small and medium-sized businesses.

Vilnius, July 28 (ELTA) - On July 27-29, a group of three Russian arms control experts will conduct evaluation visit under the Vienna Document 1999 in the Lithuanian Great Hetman Jonusas Radvila Training Regiment of the Lithuanian Armed Forces, the Ministry of National Defence reports.

According to the Vienna Document, each member state of OSCE has the right to verify if any other OSCE member is not involved in military activities requiring advance notification, and do not maintain undeclared military capabilities.

Vienna Document obliges State Parties to provide information about their respective armed forces, plans of development of defence capabilities, and defence budgets on an annual basis as well as to notify in advance on planned military activities. Participating states also commit to accept a predefined number of inspections and visits of military experts from other states.

This is the third visit of the Russian military experts in the Lithuanian units this year. The first one took place in the first week of June, and in the second week of the same month an observation flight over the Lithuania's territory under the Open Skies Treaty was conducted.

Last year experts of Lithuania have conducted one evaluation visit in Russia, Kaliningrad Oblast.

Minsk, July 27 (BELTA-ELTA) - On Tuesday, in Nesvizh, Prime Minister of Belarus Sergei Sidorsky will meet with Lithuanian Head of the Government Andrius Kubilius, who is currently on vacation and is travelling on bicycles with his colleagues in Belarus.

"The prime ministers will meet in Nesvizh on Tuesday. The meeting will be informal. It is planned that Sidorsky and Kubilius will visit the famous historical sights of Nesvizh city," Prime Minister's spokesperson told representatives of the news agency BELTA.

Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius embarks on his annual holidays on Sunday, July 25. As usual, the Prime Minister has opted for outdoor recreation: accompanied by his colleagues, he will be cycling along the historic roads of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.

"Our summer bicycle tour arranged for the 8th time now has become a nice tradition. We have already explored numerous picturesque Lithuanian locations, and are now exploring untreaded paths elsewhere. Last year, together with our colleagues, we toured round Poland dropping by at the Seinai and Punsk to visit Lithuanians. This year we intend to see some of the common rich Lithuanian-Belarusian history of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania."– said Prime Minister Kubilius.

Together with his wife Rasa and the colleagues the Prime Minister plans to see historic sights, castles and other historic heritage, to meet with the Lithuanians living in Belarus and visit the Lithuanian school in Rimdžiūnai.

The Prime Minister intends to cover the distance of 700 kilometres in one week and visitt Lyda, Novogrudok, Mira, Nesvyžius, Alšėnai, Kreva, Ašmena and the Lithuanian communities in Gervėčiai and Rimdžiūnai.

“Lithuania and Belarus share geographical neighbourhood, rich history of the GDL, and shoulder to shoulder presence on the European continent. We can and we must encourage Belarus to move closer to European values. This, when it happens, will have an impact on our future too, including energy security – here we see common challenges and we must get together to address theses issues."– said Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius.

The Prime Minister will be accompanied by ministers Dainius Kreivys and Donatas Jankauskas, members of the Seimas Vitas Matuzas, Edmundas Pupinis, Justinas Urbanavičius and others.
In his absence from 26 July 20 August, the Prime Minister will be replaced temporarily by Vice Minister of Finance, Ingrida Šimonytė.

Kaunas, July 22 (ELTA) - Another social democrat was dismissed from office at Kaunas City Municipality. Having dismissed Deputy Mayor Steponas Vaicikauskas, Kaunas City Council also dismissed Deputy Director of Administration, Social Democrat Steponas Rabacius.

In a secret vote, 20 members of the Council voted for his dismissal, 6 members were against, and 11 ballots were declared void.

As reported, it was expected that Deputy Mayor Steponas Vaicikauskas and Administration Deputy Director Romualdas Rabacius would withdraw when the Social Democrats stopped supporting the ruling coalition, however, they did not do so.

According to Elder of the Homeland Union - Lithuanian Christian Democrats political group Marijus Panceris, in the light of the fact that the social democrats were reluctant to take such a logical step, the ruling coalition had to do it itself in order to maintain stability in the city council.

Kaunas, July 22 (ELTA) - At a sitting on Thursday, Kaunas City Municipality Council dismissed Deputy Mayor, Representative of Social Democrats Steponas Vaicikauskas from office.

In a secret vote, 21 members of the Council voted for the dismissal, 8 members voted against, 9 ballots were declared void.

It was expected that Deputy Mayor Steponas Vaicikauskas and Administration Deputy Director Romualdas Rabacius would withdraw when the Social Democrats stopped supporting the ruling coalition, however, they did not do so.

According to Elder of the Homeland Union - Lithuanian Christian Democrats political group Marijus Panceris, in the light of the fact that the social democrats were reluctant to take such a logical step, the ruling coalition had to do it itself in order to maintain stability in the city council.

Vilnius, July 22 (ELTA) - There is an impression that the salaries' cuts are lower in the public sector because doctors' salaries were not cut and the salaries of teachers even increased, says Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius.

"Last year the Government and the Seimas was reducing civil servants' salaries in the public sector. Over the year, their salaries were reduced by almost 10 percent. However, the salaries of teachers or doctors, who also belong to public sector, were not cut last year. And teachers' salaries even increased," Andrius Kubilius said in an interview to Ziniu Radijas on Thursday.

President Dalia Grybauskaite noted that there were no big savings in the public sector.

"Comparing the cuts in salaries in public and private sectors, a big difference can be seen. (&). There were no big cuts in the public sector. Other countries are saving much more," President Dalia Grybauskaite said in an interview to Lithuanian TV programme "Savaite".

"Speaking about the entire public sector, the overall reduction in salaries is certainly lower in than in the private sector, because of the fact that the doctors' salaries were not cut and the salaries of teachers' were even increased. However, in the civil service, for which the Government is responsible directly, the salaries were reduced. (&)," said Kubilius.

Vilnius, July 22 (ELTA) - Chairman of the Homeland Union - Lithuanian Christian Democrats political party (TS-LKD), Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius counters the critics by Patriarch of the Conservatives, Member of the European Parliament Vytautas Landsbergis to his colleagues of sufferance to the liberals by saying that the work in the coalition requires compromises.

"Coalition is the art of compromises, agreements. You cannot think that your personal position or the position of the party can dominate over the position of other coalition partners. When members of our party say that we cannot 100 percent implement the provisions of the party on one or another issue because we have to coordinate the position with the liberals, I hear the liberals saying that being the biggest party in the coalition, we dominate on various issues and do not allow them to implement their ideological provisions," Kubilius said in the interview on Ziniu Radijas.

The prime minister explained that the Government was implementing its programme that was agreed upon prior to the formation of the Ministers' Cabinet.

Vilnius, July 19 (ELTA) - President Dalia Grybauskaite is confident that tax increases would not be beneficial in the short term and that still there are reserves related to the black economy and the fight against organised crime.

According to the president, an increase in taxes would be the easiest way for the Government, but it would lead to the worst consequences to the economy.

"The Government does what is inevitable. In strategic sense, it knows what to do, but the way it does that shows its biggest weakness," the head of state said on the LTV programme Savaite.

According to Grybauskaite, the Government makes a lot of mistakes in carrying out decisions, in other words, when moving from a good idea to its realisation. Moreover, the mistakes are being rectified too late.

"Theoretical decisions reach the economy in reality very slowly. Thus, in principle, the Government knows what needs to be done, it assumes responsibility and pays the price by its ratings, but I would like it very much that the Cabinet would correct its mistakes faster," the president said.

Speaking about the public dissatisfaction with the Government's work, Grybauskaite emphasised that "the ratings and confidence in all European governments, which have had to resort to very difficult and unpopular yet inevitable decisions, have waned significantly and this is the price paid by virtually all governments."

Government Announcement:

The Lithuanian Government and ultimately the taxpayers of Lithuania, is the largest owner of commercial assets in the country. Each taxpayer in this country has a share in this portfolio worth around LTL16.000 per person.

Together we are now turning the page on the management of this common asset by publishing this Annual Review. This is the first step, in obtaining a map over this portfolio so that we will be able to take serious steps towards a more professional management of these commercial assets.

The Prime Minister of Lithuania Andrius Kubilius said that this is the start of structural reforms that will stimulate growth, increase competiveness and reduce the budget deficit.

The value of State-Owned Commercial Assets are comparable to 25% of GDP. Transparency together with professionally management will have a positive impact on the business climate in Lithuania as a whole.

The portfolio of commercial assets has a substantial potential for efficiency improvement and thereby an ability to contribute in a material way to the state budget.

The first step in this process is setting the highest standard of transparency for State-Owned Enterprises (SOE’s).

Transparency shall be easily understood and give a fair picture of the state of the portfolio not only in an annual statement but henceforth also through interim reports during the year disclosing material events and the financial development, company objectives, directors and senior management, and their remuneration, material foreseeable risk factors, governance structure and policies. Today the Government has approved its Transparency Policy to enforce this vision.

The Minister of Economy Dainius Kreivys said that motivated to attract foreign investments Lithuania will adhere to international best practice, understanding that global capital markets will insist upon clear, relevant financial information and that capital has no memory, it will flow where it sees reward and understands the risks.

Volatility is the inevitable by-product of a global, highly competitive, fast-paced marketplace. With this report and commitment to the highest standards of transparency, we are rising to the challenge to make Lithuania an internationally competitive and attractive country for investments.

Further steps will involve separation of commercial assets, activities working under market conditions, from assets with a policy purpose. State Commercial assets deserve the best professional management so that the portfolio serve the people by generating a relevant and transparent return that can be used by the government for purposes of further improving the country and thereby the life of the people.

The government shall have a long-term strategic vision with shareholder value at the core and executive compensation aligned to long term performance.

The Government has ordered the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Economy to prepare strategy for efficient management of state owned enterprises by 1 September 2010.

Note:
As described in Annual Review the Lithuanian Government is the largest owner of commercial assets in the country. The Portfolio consists of more than 300 companies in various sectors. However, companies within Energy, Real Estate and Forest sectors represent more than 80% of the value of the portfolio.

Furthermore, we also have a number of strategically important assets in the Transportation sector, as well as number of minor assets in a wide range of sectors.

Vilnius, July 16 (ELTA) - President Dalia Grybauskaite has returned amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code to the Seimas for reconsideration as the amendments allowed gaps which would create favourable conditions for the abuse of office of pre-trial investigation officers, an increase in corruption and opportunities for preventing pre-trial investigation control.

The head of state approves the provisions which aim at strengthening the control of pre-trial investigation and introduce specific deadlines for pre-trial investigation. However, Grybauskaite opposes the proposed procedure according to which the term for a pre-trial investigation would start only with the moment of making allegations.

The president proposes to start counting the pre-trial period from the first day of the investigation. This way, Grybauskaite says, would prevent delays of investigations, when allegations are brought the last moment before referring the case to court and thus avoiding the control of pre-trial investigation.

Vilnius, July 16 (ELTA) - Presidential Policy Analysis and Institutional Relations Adviser Audrone Nugaraite resigned from office.

"I can confirm the fact that as of July 16, Nugaraite resigned from the position as Chief Adviser to the President," presidential spokesperson Linas Balsys told ELTA.

He said he did not know the reasons of her withdrawal.

Audrone Nugaraite joined Grybauskaite's team a year ago. She was not only chief adviser to the president, but also the president's representative at the Seimas. Nugaraite was entrusted to coordinate the president's position with the parliament.

Prior to becoming a member of the presidential team, Nugaraite taught journalism at Vilnius University, headed the university's Institute of Journalism in 1997-2006.

However, we note that according to the reports the freed political prisoners will have to leave for Spain. Besides, according to the data of the Cuban Commission for Human Rights and National Reconciliation, over 100 political prisoners remain on the island. Cuba still has not ratified two UN conventions on human rights, and representatives from international NGOs, for example, from the International Committee of the Red Cross, have been repeatedly refused entry into prisons.

Lithuania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is closely following the situation in the country and is looking forward to follow-up steps that the Cuban Government will take towards democracy. We also participate in the discussion of the European Union on further relations with Cuba and we will decide on Lithuania’s position taking into account further changes of the situation in Cuba.

Lithuania shares the common EU position on Cuba from 1996. The objective of the common position on Cuba is to encourage a process of transition to pluralist democracy and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, as well as a sustainable development and improvement in the living standards of the Cuban people. The common position considers that full cooperation with Cuba will depend upon improvements in human rights and political freedom.

Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius met with Israeli Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Avigdor Liberman. The meeting focused on bilateral and multilateral relations, prospects for economic and commercial cooperation, cultural and educational issues, and, last but not least, relationship with the Jewish community.

As Israeli Foreign Minister A. Liberman noted, the current intensively developing bilateral relations between Lithuania and Israel are excellent. “It is high time we translated our excellent bilateral relations into excellent economic and trade relations”, the Minister said.

Prime Minister A. Kubilius was lavish in his praise for the innovative Israeli economy. “Lithuania admires Israel’s achievements in the IT sector. Our Minister of Economy D. Kairys, recently back from Israel, had every opportunity to see the latest developments in that area personally. At the present moment in time, Lithuania is keenly looking for IT investments all over the world; to my mind, Israeli business should find our market attractive as well”, A. Kubilius observed.

The Minister thanked Lithuania for its balanced approach to the Middle East and Israel and extended the official invitation of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to visit the country in the near future. While discussing restitution issues, both parties were unanimous in their conviction that the compensation procedure for Jewish property would run smoothly and successfully.

Vilnius, July 8 (ELTA) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu invited Head of the Lithuanian Government Andrius Kubilius to visit Israel. Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman, who is currently visiting Lithuania, passed the invitation during the meeting on Thursday.

"Minister of foreign affairs passed me a personal invitation of the Israeli prime minister to visit Israel. I hope I will be able to take advantage of it and further develop the relations that we consider very important," Kubilius said.

In turn, Lieberman said that the relations between Lithuania and Israel have never been as good as now. The two countries established diplomatic relations in 1992.

"The biggest challenge is how to move these very good political relations into economic cooperation," said the Israeli foreign minister.

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), which unites 47 member states, is to adopt a resolution and report Political Consequences of the Economic Crisis drafted by Mr Emanuelis Zingeris, Head of the Seimas Delegation to the organisation.  
 
Mr Zingeris, the author of the Resolution, underlines in the document that the present financial and economic crisis is the worst since the Great Depression, which hit the world in the 1930s and resulted in a world war. PACE expresses a concern that financial debts in Europe and economic policies to fight the consequences of the crisis may have an impact on the processes of public radicalisation and threaten democracy.    
 
The Head of the Seimas Delegation regrets that after a long discussion the Committee on Political Affairs of the Parliamentary Assembly amended the initial text of the Resolution he had proposed that strongly urged to find and punish politicians whose actions contributed to the economic collapse due to the failure to duly respond to the careless policy pursued by banks.
 
The Resolution recommends an active involvement of national parliaments in European affairs and in the process of economic and financial governance and calls on governments to adopt a more European coordinated and unified approach to face the crisis. The Resolution also calls for a discussion on the state of democracy within national parliaments.
 
The Resolution notes that this crisis provides parties and movements of the extreme left and right with the opportunity to blame failures on mainstream parties in order to gain more popularity for themselves. It is to be regretted that in some countries mainstream parties have adopted extremist language.
 
Although previous resolutions of PACE argued that “despite financial difficulties, citizen’s social, economic and human rights must be safeguarded”, the Resolution to be adopted today states that some governments are bound to reduce spending and therefore they will need to reduce public investment, freeze or reduce public service labour force, increase taxes, increase retirement age and freeze or reduce salaries and pensions. Several governments have already announced cuts in public sector salaries. As a result, social consequences will certainly be much more severe than those foreseen in previous Assembly debates.
 
The document to be adopted also notes that the stability and growth pact, which accompanied the introduction of the euro, was not rigorously observed by many of the member states to which it applied. The Assembly also reminds that common currency (a monetary union) implies a common monetary policy and notes that such policy does not work in the long term when there are wide differences in the economic, budgetary and fiscal policies among its members.
 
The Assembly regrets in the Resolution that the on-going crisis has shown that we are still very far from a Europe without dividing lines: among the member states of the Council of Europe, there are members and non member states of the European Union. And among the European Union member states, there are those in the eurozone and those outside of it. It is worrying to see the difference in treatment of each category. 

Lithuania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Audronius Ažubalis calls on the international community to strengthen and to coordinate more closely the actions that are aimed at promoting democracy around the world.

The Minister made this statement on 3 July in Krakow at the High Level Democracy Meeting to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the Community of Democracies, which is currently chaired by Lithuania.

“World’s democratic community faces numerous challenges in implementing common goals on a multilateral level and the economic downturn caused new threats to democracy worldwide. Despite the threatening increase of autocratic and populist tendencies in many countries and regions, we do not have an appropriate democratic response to this. The promotion of democracy requires serious and concerted efforts of world’s entire community,” Minister A.Ažubalis said.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who also attended the meeting in Krakow, dedicated special attention to the human rights situation, particularly highlighting the influence of civil society for the promotion of democracy around the world. H.Clinton stressed the role of values in contemporary world politics as one of the main principles of the current U.S. administration policy. She also spoke about the challenges, which movements for human rights and other civil society groups supporting democracy were facing today.

The meeting in Krakow focused on the activities of the Community of Democracies, on its working groups, and on the strengthening of democracy around the world.

As a representative of Lithuania’s Presidency of the Community of Democracies in 2009-2011, Minister A.Ažubalis acquainted the participants of the meeting with Lithuania’s accomplishments and goals for 2011.

In Krakow, head of Lithuania’s diplomacy also opened the second meeting of the Parliamentary Forum of the Community of Democracies, which was launched on 12 March in Vilnius, and highlighted that the debate of parliamentarians should be followed by specific projects. According to the Minister, two more meetings of the Parliamentary Forum are already scheduled this year in the U.S.A. and Georgia.

The Community of Democracies also adopted the Global Democracy Work Plan, which defines the actions for strengthening global democracy in the coming years.

Minister A.Ažubalis stressed that the entire Community of Democracies had to aim to turn these commitments into reality, so that this would not be just empty words.

According to the Minister, the attention of Lithuania’s Presidency and of the entire Community of Democracies will be drawn to this work until the next ministerial meeting of the Community of Democracies in Vilnius in 2011.

“Lithuania aims to achieve that at the Presidency’s final meeting in Vilnius specific decisions will be taken on the basis of the Global Democracy Work Plan. The decisions would cover the reform of the Community of Democracies itself, the commitments undertaken by its member states regarding support to non-governmental organizations, further development of activities of the Working Group on Gender Equality, which is co-chaired by the U.S.A. and Lithuania, and on other issues,” Minister A.Ažubalis said.

75 governmental representatives from around the world, as well as President of the European Parliament Jerzy Buzek participated in the commemorative meeting on 3 July in Krakow.
Lithuania, as the Presidency of the Community of Democracies, also chaired the meeting of the Convening Group in Krakow. The Convening Group is comprised of representatives from 17 countries, which spearheaded the initiative of establishing the Community of Democracies. This group is the main governing body of the Community of Democracies between the ministerial meetings.

Lithuania has also initiated meetings of the Parliamentary Forum, the Young Leaders’ Forum and the Working Group on Gender Equality of the Community of Democracies.

Only comprehensive solutions towards gender equality in Lithuania and the whole European Union will produce the results we seek and value, President of the Republic of Lithuania Dalia Grybauskaitė said, making an opening address at an international conference organised by the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE).
 
"Equality between women and men is a fundamental right and a common value of the European Union. The European Parliament and Council places a special focus on gender equality. For this purpose, a new European institution has been created - the European Institute for Gender Equality - with its seat in Vilnius. I am happy and proud that the best gender equality experts from across Europe will work and share their knowledge here in Lithuania and that their work, both practical and theoretical, will contribute in a major way to our joint efforts towards genuine, not assumed, gender equality," President Dalia Grybauskaitė said.
 
According to the President, the European statistics of many years show that there are many still unresolved issues in this field. Women continue to earn almost 18 percent less than men for every hour worked. The employment rate of female university graduates is lower than men's, although women represent a majority of students. Women continue to carry a disproportionately large share of household chores. Domestic violence and the risk of poverty, even though they relate to both genders, are higher for women.
 
The President pointed out that it was not by chance that Lithuania became the first country among the Baltic States to host a European agency. Much has been done in Lithuania to achieve equality between women and men, starting with relevant legal aspects, gender mainstreaming, and ending with specific measures to improve the actual situation of women. "We already have visible results. Women's employment has increased over the past several years and some data show that it has exceeded that for men. The gap between salaries earned by men and women for the same work has narrowed considerably. In Lithuania, women are better represented than men among bachelor's, master's and doctorate graduates. They are active in state building and governance, and their involvement in business and public life has deepened and broadened," the President said.

The President called these developments most welcome, but underlined that a lot of effort was yet to be made to translate positive tendencies into a standard of Lithuanian and EU life. She invited non-governmental organizations working in human rights, education, employment, health care, and other fields to engage more actively in joint action.

The Seimas has passed amendments to the Penal Code imposing criminal liability for public support to, denial of, and gross trivialisation of international crimes, crimes committed by the USSR, and Nazi Germany to the detriment of the Republic of Lithuania and its inhabitants. A total of 68 MPs voted for the amendments, 5 were against, and 32 abstained.

Under the adopted amendments, criminal charges shall be brought against anyone providing public support to, denial of, or gross trivialisation of acts recognised to constitute genocide, other crimes against humanity, or a war crime under legislation of the Republic of Lithuania, EU legislation, or court judgements in force issued either by courts of the Republic of Lithuania or international courts, where such support, denial, or gross trivialisation is done in a threatening, abusive or offensive manner, or when it disturbs public order.

Criminal charges shall also be brought against anyone making a public approval of, denial of, or gross trivialisation of the aggression against the Republic of Lithuania on the part of the USSR and Nazi Germany as well as war crimes, genocide, and other crimes against humanity committed by the USSR and Nazi Germany on the territory of the Republic of Lithuania against Lithuania’s inhabitants, and felony as well as grave crimes committed by persons involved in the aggression against the Republic of Lithuania in 1990-1991, where such approval, denial, or gross trivialisation is done in a threatening, abusive or offensive manner, or disturbs public order.

Under the amendments adopted by the Seimas, the abovementioned offences shall be punishable by fines, restriction of liberty, arrest, or imprisonment for up to two years. Criminal liability for these offences shall also apply to legal persons.

Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius opened the World Lithuanian Economic Forum Conference “High tech innovation  investment: local to global” in London.

In his opening address, the Lithuanian Prime Minister introduced the innovation potential in innovative Lithuania. Speakers of the forum – economy experts and entrepreneurs having investment experience in Lithuania – stressed two points: there is considerable talent and potential in Lithuania, and the current Government has been pursuing an attractive and consistent investment policy focusing on the high-tech and IT sectors.     

The aim of the regular event, whose ambassador is the Lithuanian Prime Minister, is to unite the most influential Lithuanian entrepreneurs living abroad, experts and politicians, and to attract investment in growing Lithuanian companies.

In his opening address the Lithuanian Prime Minister introduced innovation potential in Lithuania and focused on the success stories of global Lithuanian businesses.

According to Kubilius, new technologies have unlocked potential across state borders, with even small companies being able to achieve success. In addition to presenting the Lithuanian success stories to the advanced, IT and communications technologies on a global scale, the Prime Minister also expressed his delight at the expanded global biotechnology and medical technology companies that have been successfully attracting investment, as well as the growing sector of green technologies in Lithuania.  

The forum conferences have attracted over 250 entrepreneurs from various countries of the world. The event aims to unite the most influential Lithuanian entrepreneurs living abroad and to help attract investment to the growing Lithuanian companies.

Representatives of the prominent global companies, such as IBM, Barclays, Microsoft, Get Jar, Sicor Biotech (TEVA Group), Nordic Ventures Partners, Angels Den, and other successful companies and the biggest private capital and business angel investors have taken part in the World Lithuanian Economic Forum Conference in London.   

The Prime Minister of Lithuania Mr Andrius Kubilius paid a working visit to Stockholm on 9 June, 2010. The purpose of this visit was to follow up (overlook) dynamic and intensive bilateral economic relations between both countries and to spread the message to the Swedish business community on Lithuania’s economic outlook and the Government’s policy priorities. Mr. Andrius Kubilius met the Prime Minister of Sweden Mr Fredrik Reinfeldt. The Prime Minister’s delegation includes the Lithuanian Minister of Economy Mr Dainius Kreivys.

The big part of this visit was devoted to meeting the leading Swedish companies and private equity funds with a view to present Lithuania’s efforts in improving theinvestment environment and to show their intention for new cooperation projects which might foster further bilateral business growth. The meetings were arranged in close cooperation with the Swedish partners representing banking and financial sector investors.

Lithuania was deeply impacted by the recession in 2009. With the acute response to these economic and financial challenges the Government of Lithuania managed to ensure macroeconomic stability in the country. Implementing fiscal consolidation measures Lithuania demonstrated its capability to handle structural problems of public finances in a responsible and efficient way. It is acknowledge not only by the EC and IMF, but also clearly assed by international markets.

The IMF has updated the forecast of Lithuania’s GDP growth to 2% in 2010. International rating agencies have started to upgrade Lithuania’s outlook, Moody’s upgraded the Lithuanian Government’s borrowing ratings from negative to stable in April, Standard&Poor and Fitch also lifted their outlooks for Lithuania from negative to stable in February and March.   

The Government of Lithuania has been actively working to promote inward foreign direct investment, giving a special priority to technology-intense and higher value added projects. Dynamically improving relations with neighboring countries, low tax burden, very competitive overall business operation costs, talented people and investment-minded Government are the driven success factors for international companies to be located in Lithuania where Swedish business has already been benefiting. The Government’s efforts to attract investment has already shown concrete results, leading multinational companies such as Barclays, IBM and Western Union have invested in Lithuania.    
 
Sweden is one of Lithuania’s main economic partners taking the top position in the list of foreign investors and being among the key trading partners. Despite of already intensive bilateral economic cooperation, Lithuania is open to discuss new mutually beneficial investment projects.

I will support every proposal that strengthens cooperation among the European Union's Member States and serves Lithuania's interests," President of the Republic of Lithuania Dalia Grybauskaitė said at the meeting with EU Member States' ambassadors resident in Lithuania.
 
Talking about Lithuania's foreign policy, President Dalia Grybauskaitė stressed that European integration, dynamic cooperation with EU Member States, euroatlantic relations, strengthening of Lithuania's territorial, energy and technological security as well as constructive relations with neighboring countries, built on reciprocal respect and mutual benefit, were among top priorities of Lithuania's foreign policy.
 
"By cooperating dynamically with the European Union, Lithuania has made huge progress in implementing energy and transport projects. The EU's Strategy for the Baltic Sea region is also a perfect instrument to enhance regional cooperation both with EU Member States and other countries of the region. I support, and will support in the future, every proposal that promotes European integration, strengthens cooperation among EU Member States and serves Lithuania's national interests," President Dalia Grybauskaitė underlined.
 
The President thanked the ambassadors for cooperation and for their efforts to develop economic relations between business communities of Lithuania and other countries of the EU.
 
This was the second meeting of the President with leaders of diplomatic missions of EU Member States. The meeting took place at the Embassy of Spain, which currently holds the presidency of the EU.

Vilnius, June 22 (ELTA) - The Seimas has not satisfied the request of Prosecutor General Darius Valys to lift the legal immunity of MPs Petras Grazulis, Kazimieras Uoka and Rokas Zilinskas.

MPs did not approve the Seimas' draft resolutions on forming ad hoc commissions after their presentation.

On Tuesday, 47 MPs voted for the formation of the ad hoc commission on the approval to restrict Zilinskas' freedom, 15 MPs voted against it and 33 MPs abstained from voting.

The Seimas' ad hoc commission for approval to prosecute MPs Grazulis and Uoka was favoured by 39 MPs, 29 MPs voted against it and 30 MPs abstained from voting.

On Tuesday, Prosecutor General Darius Valys addressed the Seimas with a request to abolish the legal immunity of three MPs - Petras Grazulis, Kazimieras Uoka and Rokas Zilinskas.

Grazulis and Uoka are suspected of causing public disorder and resisting to a civil servant.

The prosecutor general said that the group of MPs "Uz Lygybe" (For Equality) had sent an official application to the Prosecutor General's Office and the Police Department asking for an investigation into the actions of MPs Grazulis and Uoka during the march "For Equality".

As reported, the Seimas once agreed on lifting Zilinskas' legal immunity, when a criminal case against the MP was heard. In December 2008, Vilnius city first local court acquitted Zilinskas in the criminal case on the violation of public order, resistance to police officers and insult of the officers. It ruled that Zilinskas did not commit any crime.

However, the court opened proceedings against Zilinskas on administrative offences due to hooliganism, the insult of police officers and resistance to their orders. This is a new case and thus permission of the Seimas is again necessary for the restriction of Zilinskas' freedom since the offender may have to pay a fine and he may also be arrested for the alleged administrative offences.

Vilnius, June 22 (ELTA) - Intending to reduce maternity benefits and extend the retirement age, the Government of Andrius Kubilius continues the policy of Lithuania's destruction, is convinced Chairman of the Christian Party Gediminas Vagnorius.

According to the former prime minister, by depriving young families and old people of trust in the social system, the rulers are destroying the nation, promoting emigration and a decline in birth rates.

Gediminas Vagnorius is convinced that the Government should extend the retirement age not by force, but voluntarily: it should promote the survival of older people in the labour market and reward them with higher pensions for agreeing to retire later.

However, according to the politician, the government is doing just the contrary - they are punishing workers and pensioners who are paying taxes by depriving them from their hard-earned wages. Moreover, by leveling pensions, social security benefits and even salaries, the Government undermines the very "economic branch" of the state - it deprives people of the motivation to work and pay taxes.

"Social stability is the key factor in ensuring public confidence in the state. Over a period of a year and a half, the heads of Government have undercut public confidence in the future. They completely ruined the internal market, and the poverty caused by unemployment has affected every fifth adult in the country," says the Christian party leader.

Former Prime Minister Gediminas Vagnorius is convinced that thanks to the policy of Andrius Kubilius Lithuania is turning from the Baltic Tiger into a self-destructing country.

Lithuania‘s Minister of Foreign Affairs Audronius Ažubalis says, that continuous implementation of the Treaty of Lisbon, energy security, as well as European Union‘s relations with Eastern Neighbourhood countries and Russia would stay on the list of European policy issues that are the most  important to Lithuania in the second half of 2010.

These Lithuanian priorities for the Belgian EU Presidency were presented by Minister  A.Ažubalis during a working dinner that was held at the initiative of Belgium‘s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Institutional Reforms Steven Vanackere on 20 June in Brussels.

According to Lithuania‘s Foreign Minister, economic and financial issues are also particularly important to the country. He highlighted the implementation of the new EU 2020 strategy for sustainable growth and employment, as well as the initiatives regarding enhanced coordination of the EU member states’ economic policy that are currently being discussed. The EU 2020 strategy was adopted at the European Council on 17 June.

“Lithuania is very much interested in the implementation of the Baltic Interconnection Plan and the diversification of energy sources, as well as in the coordinated external energy policy, which gets proper impetus through the implementation of the Treaty of Lisbon“, Minister A.Ažubalis noted.

The Minister also said that active development of bilateral and multilateral relations with six countries of the EU‘s Eastern Partnership initiative and Russia should also be high on the agenda during Belgium‘s EU Presidency.

“Lithuania actively supports further strengthening of the relations between the EU and Belarus, Moldova, Ukraine, South Caucasus states. We consider it is necessary to continue close mutual cooperation with the countries that aspire to deeper relations with the EU”, Minister A.Ažubalis said.

On 1 July, Belgium will succeed Spain as the next EU Presidency. It will stay at the helm of the EU until 1 January 2011.

The meeting in Brussels was attended by Austrian, Belgian, Bulgarian, Finnish, Lithuanian, Portuguese, Slovak and Slovenian foreign ministers.

Vilnius, June 17 (ELTA) - Foreign Minister Audronius Azubalis is against cost-cutting at the expense of the diplomatic service. According to him, at present, Lithuanian consular servants work more than their colleagues from other European Union member states, and the closure of embassies would have political consequences.

"At present, Lithuanian nationals who address Lithuania's consulates abroad, for example, in London or Dublin, wait for 2-3 months to be received there. It is because of the significant reduction of consular offices. What is more, the National Audit Office, which carried out an audit of our consular service, found out that the workload and working hours of our consuls exceeded the working hours and workload of European Union diplomats by two times. Our people work 12-13 hours a day," Azubalis said at the Government's hour at the Seimas on Thursday.

The foreign minister recalled that salaries at the Foreign Ministry were cut by 10 percent last year.

The head of the Lithuanian diplomacy implied that he would disagree with the decision to close embassies for saving purposes. According to Azubalis, it would be done only with a common political decision.

"It is very easy to open an embassy, but it is impossible to shut it down without political consequences. If I were told by someone who would take political responsibility for the decision to close some embassy, and it were a common political decision, then I would have to obey that as a politician," Azubalis said.

The foreign minister said that some 14 million litas (4.053 million euros) would be saved if Lithuania refused the chairmanship of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), some 100 million litas (28.94 million euros) if the country refused the presidency of the European Union in 2013, which would be an unprecedented event.

"The Foreign Ministry has one of the smallest budgets, which amounts to 183 million litas (52.977 million euros)," said Azubalis.

The head of the Lithuanian diplomacy was asked about the possible consolidation of the budget for next year by Kestutis Glaveckas, the head of the Seimas' Committee on Budget and Finance.

Vilnius, June 17 (ELTA) - Former Chairman of the Liberal and Centre Union (LiCS) Arturas Zuokas is withdrawing from LiCS and will lead a new public movement.

"Yes. There is a new public movement established and I was elected to lead it, thus, it is logical that I will no longer take part in the LiCS activities," Arturas Zuokas confirmed to ELTA.

The organization that will be headed by Arturas Zuokas is called "Yes". The organization will unite people who are creators and have an optimistic attitude towards the difficult situation in Lithuania.

"Together we will try to change the current political situation in Lithuania, that remained or became completely closed within the period of 20 years and that unfortunately do not reflect the challenges that the modern society needs. Therefore, we will defend creators and those who can and are willing to change life in Lithuania so that it would become different," Zuokas spoke about the objectives of the movement.

According to him, there will be no LiCS members in the movement. Zuokas does not think that next year members of the organization would take part in municipal election, as well as he doubts whether the Seimas would allow public organizations to run for elections.

In the short term, the objectives and provisions of the public organization "Yes" will be presented.

Vilnius, June 7 (ELTA) - An amendment to the Statute of the Seimas, under which the Government would be obliged to present conclusions on the bills on time, was submitted to the Seimas.

Under the amendment to the Statute, registered by Members of the Seimas Vidmantas Žiemelis and Mantas Varaška, if the Government does not provide conclusions on the bills on time (within 4 weeks), it will be considered that the Government approves of the bill.

The parliamentarians expect the amendment to accelerate the consideration and adoption of legislation in the Seimas.

“Very often, this term is not met and as a result, the further consideration of the bill is postponed for an indefinite period of time. The introduction of the proposed amendment to the Statute of the Seimas would provide for the timely hearing and adoption of legislation. Moreover, the amendment would oblige the Government to provide necessary conclusions on time,” said MPs Žiemelis and Varaška.

Vilnius, June 14 (ELTA) - The salaries of politicians and civil servants will remain reduced next year. Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius intends to propose to extend the validity of reduced salaries for the following year as well.

"We decided that politicians' salaries, as well as the other reductions, should remain reduced next year as well. First of all, I have in mind the reduction of politicians', civil servants' and other officials' salaries," Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius said after the meeting of the ruling coalition partners with Speaker of the Seimas Irena Degutiene on Monday.

According to him, the Constitutional Court has determined that until the emergency financial situation continues, the politicians - the Seimas and the Government - were entitled to take measures to address the problems of the emergency finance situation.

"The emergency financial situation, we believe, will continue until we return back to the main macroeconomic parameters of 2008. And this is not certainly going to happen next year," said Kubilius.

According to him, it is also planned to implement the SoDra reform, decide upon the retirement age, the transformation of maternity benefits, and other issues, such as state pensions.

The prime minister said that the Government intended to propose the Seimas to adopt some decisions yet during this session.

Vilnius, June 14 (ELTA) - Culture Minister Remigijus Vilkaitis had a conflict of interest when deciding on funding the film Atsisveikinimas (Farewell), where he was cast himself, the Chief Official Ethics Commission (VTEK) states.

The law provides that in a situation of interest conflicts, a person working in public service must inform his immediate head and persons who jointly participate in decision-making, consideration or adoption proceedings about the existing conflict of interest and withdraw from participating in further proceedings.

The incumbent culture minister, theatre and film actor Vilkaitis, appears in the film for an episode of a few minutes.

Earlier this year, the press announced that Culture Minister Vilkaitis, who starred in the film before taking the office of the culture minister, allocated 120,000 litas (34,262 euros) to complete the film Atsisveikinimas. This decision of the culture minister drew the attention of the Chief Official Ethics Commission.

In late April, the Nation's Resurrection Party, which proposed Vilkaitis for the culture minister, expressed no confidence in him. The party has formally presented a new candidate for the post to the prime minister - vice-rector of Vilnius Academy of Arts Arunas Gelunas.

Vilnius, June 11 (ELTA) - Member of the Seimas Anti-corruption Commission Aurelija Stancikiene has addressed Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius asking him to express his principled opinion on constant gross law violations made by Gintautas Kevisas, director general of the National Opera and Ballet Theatre. The politician expects that Kubilius will also consider whether Kevisas should be allowed to hold the office.

According to Stancikiene, such a request is related to the incumbent Culture Minister Remigijus Vilkaitis' unwillingness to take independent action to evaluate Kevisas admissibility to continue his work. In addition, the recent story of Kevisas has been recalled. In 2002, Kevisas managed to avoid responsibility for similar serious financial irregularities that were found out by the National Audit Office.

The MP is firmly convinced that if Kevisas also retained his office this time, it would do a very grave injustice to the entire cultural life of Lithuania, the cultural policy and raise serious doubts about the prime minister's fight against corruption and efforts to stabilise public finances.

Vilnius, June 11 (ELTA) - On Friday, Foreign Minister Audronius Azubalis will participate in the annual meeting of the foreign ministers of the Baltic States and Germany in Estonia.

The meeting in Tallinn will be attended by Lithuanian Foreign Minister Azubalis, Latvian Foreign Minister Aivis Ronis, Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Paet and German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle.

The ministers will discuss the European Union's relations with Russia, the new NATO strategic concept and the implementation of the EU Eastern Partnership Initiative. Other issues in the meeting's agenda include energy security in Europe, Iran and Afghanistan, Europe's security dialogue (the Corfu Process), the EU Baltic Sea Strategy and the activities of the Council of the Baltic Sea States.

The head of the Lithuanian diplomacy will present Lithuania's priorities during its chairmanship of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in 2011.

At the Lithuanian embassy in Estonia, Azubalis will meet with the participants of bicyclists' project A?+Tu=kmLT, Lithuanian community members of the Anglia Ruskin University, who started their cycling tour of 8,000 kilometres on April 12 in Aberdeen to reach Lithuania through Scandinavia.

Vilnius, June 10 (ELTA) - President Dalia Grybauskaite says that her first annual state of the nation address has been devoted to the people of Lithuania rather than political analysts.

"I spoke to the people of Lithuania, not political scientists," the head of state commented on political scientists' conflicting assessments of her state of the nation address on Thursday.

The president delivered her first state of the nation address at the Seimas on June 8. Grybauskaite did not assess the country's economic situation and chose to analyse the moral status of the state and its citizens, the underlying causes of the crisis of fundamental values and urged every citizen to be responsible for strengthening the state.

Vilnius, June 10 (ELTA) - On Wednesday, the Seimas ad hoc commission of inquiry agreed to allow the prosecution of MP Aleksandras Sacharukas and possible restrictions of his freedom, if necessary.

Such a draft resolution was favoured by 8 commission members, 3 MPs voted against it.

As reported, Acting Prosecutor General Raimondas Petrauskas addressed the Seimas with a request to abolish Sacharukas' legal immunity, allow his prosecution and other ways of restricting his freedom, if necessary.

Vilnius, June 8 (ELTA) - In her first state of the nation address, President Dalia Grybauskaite emphasised the things that the people of Lithuania wanted to hear most - disappointment at justice, the state, politicians and the truth that not everything depends on financial matters, says Associated Professor Tomas Janeliunas, lecturer at the Institute of International Relations and Political Science (TSPMI) of Vilnius University.

Janeliunas first noted that Grybauskaite's state of the nation address differed from the ones of the former heads of state. The president's speech was shorter, laconic and centered on several ideas rather than general overviews.

"I think that the president has managed to satisfy the needs of the majority of the society to hear what Lithuania lacks, which is to stress that not everything should be counted in money only. The people of Lithuania miss justice, general confidence in the state, politicians, parties, the Government and so on," the political scientist says.

According to Janeliunas, Grybauskaite highlights the idea that even in the hard times people should start from the basic values - the restoration of the confidence in the state and justice - rather than to seek ways to receive more money, balance budgets or introduce some taxes.

"(...) This is what in fact causes probably the deepest dissatisfaction with the Government's work and which has probably worn out most Lithuanian people. Grybauskaite has caught this tendency precisely," Janeliunas said.

On the other hand, the political scientist said that he missed more attention to the foreign policy which was given only one paragraph.

"You cannot say that the president said something wrong about the foreign policy. It was included in the president's election programme and first speeches about her goals related to the foreign policy. But I think that there should have been more detailed evaluation of her achievements in the first year and, most important, future foreign policy tasks," Janeliunas explained.

Despite that, Janeliunas justified the choice of the country's leader since Grybauskaite clearly assessed that the foreign policy was not the most urgent aspect to most of the public. According to the political scientist, at present the residents are mostly interested in domestic political issues. As a result, Grybauskaite paid most attention to internal problems and solutions to them.

Vilnius, June 8 (ELTA) - Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius says that the aspects stressed by President Dalia Grybauskaite in her annual report are of a great importance for him as well.

"A very clear statement that there is still a few years to follow, during which the Government will not be able to be generous to all. It seems like a very important signal to me," commenting on the president's speech said the prime minister.

In his view, it is very important that the head of the state drew attention to the fact that the country needs a more strategic approach.

"This is one of the most important topics for us, this is why we are reforming a number of things in the state management. Of course, the strategic approach will not come overnight, thus, I can fully approve of the president's concern with the fact that the state should have a much clearer, long-term trends and those trends should define the daily decision-making as well," said Kubilius.

Andrius Kubilius is also convinced that the president's concern over the legal situation is reasonable.

"Everyone sees the problems, however, in order to solve them we need not only day-to-day decisions, but very clear long-term directions," said the head of the Government.

When asked how he evaluated the president's words that very often an individual was forgotten, Andrius Kubilius said he was reluctant to understand these words directly, because "all the decisions taken at the Government or the Seimas are in one or another way related to human destiny".

Andrius Kubilius said he did not hear any harsh criticism towards the Government. "In fact, I did not hear any harsh criticism," said the prime minister.

According to him, the annual report of the president "was good, worth of its insights".

A round table discussion "Europe 2030: Do We Have a New Approach?" was held on 4 June in Vilnius. It was organized by the Office of Lithuania’s Prime Minister's, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the European Law Department under the Ministry of Justice.

The participants discussed the European Union’s and Lithuania’s development vision with respect to the recent EU strategic documents: the report "Project Europe 2030. Challenges and Opportunities" by the EU Reflection Group and the report of former EU Commissioner for Internal Market Mario Monti, "A New Strategy for the Internal Market: Serving the Economy and the Public".
In her introductory remarks, Lithuania’s Foreign Vice-Minister Asta Skaisgirytė Liauškienė stressed that, considering the lessons learnt during the crisis, the EU and Lithuania currently face important choices, when short-term measures for the economy’s recovery are not sufficient and essential difficult decisions need to be taken.
The participants of the discussion in Vilnius agreed that further deepening and strengthening of the EU internal market was an important guideline to strengthen the EU’s competitiveness, but some aspects, such as fiscal coordination, remained ambiguous.

Vilnius, June 7 (ELTA) - Fulfilling a constitutional obligation, President Dalia Grybauskaite will read her annual report at the Seimas on Tuesday.

The president's annual report on the situation in Lithuania, domestic and foreign policy is provided by the Constitution.

President Dalia Grybauskaite, who assumed the position as the head of the state on July 12, 2009, will continue the tradition of reading the annual report during the Seimas spring session, however, she will do it a little bit later than her predecessor President Valdas Adamkus.

As determined by the Constitution, the report of the head of the state generally includes the overview of political, economic, social and cultural situation of the country, Lithuanian domestic and foreign policy. The president also puts forward proposals on how to deal with various problems.

According to the tradition, head of the Government and members of the Ministers Cabinet, ambassadors of foreign countries, heads of courts and institutions accountable to the Seimas, heads of municipalities, cities' and districts' mayors, and other honourable guests are invited to hear the report.

The presidents have been presenting their annual reports since 1993. The annual report was not presented only in 2004 - during a short presidency of Rolandas Paksas who was removed from office through impeachment.

Last year, President Valdas Adamkus read his annual report at the Seimas on April 17.

Vilnius, June 7 (ELTA) - An amendment to the Statute of the Seimas, under which the Government would be obliged to present conclusions on the bills on time, was submitted to the Seimas.

Under the amendment to the Statute, registered by Members of the Seimas Vidmantas Ziemelis and Mantas Varaska, if the Government does not provide conclusions on the bills on time (within 4 weeks), it will be considered that the Government approves of the bill. The parliamentarians expect the amendment to accelerate the consideration and adoption of legislation in the Seimas.

"Very often, this term is not met and as a result, the further consideration of the bill is postponed for an indefinite period of time. The introduction of the proposed amendment to the Statute of the Seimas would provide for the timely hearing and adoption of legislation. Moreover, the amendment would oblige the Government to provide necessary conclusions on time," said MPs Ziemelis and Varaska.

Vilnius, June 4 (ELTA) - It is proposed to deprive the persons who were removed from office following impeachment proceedings, of the title of President of the Republic of Lithuania.

Conservative Saulius Peceliunas registered such amendment at the Secretariat of the Seimas Sittings.

The draft project proposes to leave the title of the president only to those persons who carried out their duties by fair means and were not removed from presidency via impeachment.

"Retaining the title as president of the republic of Lithuania for life is a privilege granted by legislature to a person who was elected to this position, who had the nation's confidence and carried out his duties with dignity. Therefore, a person who lost the nation's confidence and was removed from office through impeachment proceedings for violating the Constitution, law, who put personal or group interests above public interests, and discredited the state by his actions cannot be granted such privilege. The state cannot grant such privilege to a person who discredited it," said Peceliunas.

Should Parliament approve of the changes to the law, Leader of the Order and Justice political party, MEP Rolandas Paksas would no longer hold the title of President of the Republic of Lithuania.

On Thursday, the Seimas adopted amendments to the Diplomatic Service Act, allowing Rolandas Paksas to retain his diplomatic passport.

Riga, June 4 (LETA-ELTA) - A new Baltic intergovernmental environmental cooperation agreement was signed during the Baltic Council of Ministers meeting today.

The agreement was signed by Latvian Environment Minister Raimonds Vejonis (Union of Greens and Farmers), Lithuanian Environment Minister Gediminas Kazlauskas and Estonian Environment Minister Jaanus Tamkivi, Kristine Barsevska from the Environment Ministry's Public Information Department told LETA.

It is the umbrella agreement for the trilateral environmental cooperation, covering such areas as sustainable use of natural resources, encouraging sustainable production and consumption, waste management, new environmental protection legislation, utilization of funds for environmental protection as well as green public procurement procedures.

The agreement also deals with cross-border cooperation in the prevention and elimination of environmental pollution, Baltic Sea protection, environmental impact assessment, and others.

Vilnius, May 31 (RIA Novosti-ELTA) - Lithuania may once again consider adding its name to a Russian-Polish request to the European Commission asking for the easing of visa rules for the Russian Baltic exclave of Kaliningrad, the country’s prime minister told RIA Novosti in an interview on Monday.

The European Parliament’s resolution 1931/2006 allows states parties to the Schengen agreement to establish a simplified visa regime for people living in the 30-km (or 50-km) zone from both sides of the external border.

In July 2009, Lithuania, Poland and Russia started preparing a request to the European Union’s main executive body, seeking to extend the resolution to all Kaliningrad Region residents. Lithuania, however, later withdrew from the preparations.

“We will once again consider [joining the request], I think the issue got stuck somewhere on the bureaucratic level. I always speak in favor of easier travel of citizens... It may need some time, but I think the issue will be solved. I’m optimistic about it,” Andrius Kubilius said.

Sandwiched between Poland and Lithuania, Russia’s westernmost Kaliningrad Region has no land border with Russia.

Vilnius, June 4. (ELTA) - On Friday, President Dalia Grybauskaite sworn in judges: Violeta Kurtkiene became Joniskis District Court Judge, Nerijus Masiulis - Akmene District Court Judge and Judita Sungailaite - Sakiu District Court Judge.

Congratulating the newly appointed judges, the head of the state stressed that the public expected changes in courts and was carefully following them.

"The search for justice usually begins in district courts, therefore, in order to restore public trust in the judiciary system and justice, the competence, professional maturity, moral strength and focus on every specific case and person of district courts' judges is of a great importance," said the president.

According to the head of the state, the right to make decisions on behalf of the state when protecting human rights and freedoms is a very strong obligation, influencing the lives and destinies of certain people. President Dalia Grybauskaite wished the newly appointed judges strength and responsibility in carrying their duties.

Vilnius Declaration from the Council of the Baltic Sea States

The Heads of Government and other high-level representatives of Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Russia, Sweden and the President of the European Commission gathered in Vilnius on 1-2 June 2010 for the 8th Baltic Sea States Summit.

The Summit stated its conviction that the Baltic Sea Region, on the basis of

1. respect for democratic principles, human rights and the rule of law,
2. active civil societies,
3. increasingly integrated and interdependent economies,
4. developed social dialogue and social cohesion,

has the potential to become one of the most prosperous, innovative and competitive regions in the world, using the strengths of the Council of the Baltic Sea States and other existing Baltic Sea regional cooperation frameworks.

The Summit made a strong political commitment to turn into reality the following Vision for the Baltic Sea Region by 2020:

The Region has a well-balanced intergovernmental structure for political dialogue and practical cooperation.

The Baltic Sea is regaining its ecological health, with its littoral States playing a leading and exemplary role in dealing with the environmental challenges.

Marked progress has been achieved in fostering investment-friendly economies and innovation driven production.

Using the potential of public-private partnerships and driven by a common understanding, the public sector and the business community take a shared responsibility for sustainable development.

Regional economic growth benefits from an integrated maritime policy and well-interconnected transport networks.

All countries in the Region enjoy the results of integrated energy markets, improved energy efficiency and extended use of clean and renewable energy.

The people of the Region benefit from positive dynamics of socio-economic development, ensuring good public health and social well-being.

The countries of the Region are effectively reducing unemployment, social exclusion and inequality in the labour market.

The Region benefits from advanced regional networks built on active application of information technologies.

The people of the Region are experiencing a steady progress in combating terrorism, in enhancing the protection and resilience of critical infrastructure and in fighting organized crime, especially trafficking in human beings, including children, and in illegal drugs.

A strong regional identity is emerging, fostered by research, education, culture, and the common heritage of the region.

The Region benefits from promotion of tolerance and extended people-to-people contacts.

The Summit expressed its gratitude to Lithuania for its Presidency of the CBSS during 2009-2010, and welcomed Norway as the incoming Presidency for 2010-2011.

On 2 June in Vilnius, Heads of Government of the Baltic Sea States, adopted the key document of the 8th Baltic Sea States Summit – the Vilnius Declaration “A Vision for the Baltic Sea Region by 2020”.

The document states the conviction that using the strengths of the existing cooperation frameworks and the accumulated experience, the Baltic Sea Region has the potential to become one of the most prosperous, innovative and competitive regions in the world.

Leaders of the region’s countries and President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso made a strong political commitment to turn into reality the Vision that is set out in the declaration.

The declaration covers economic, ecological and social aspects of the region’s sustainable development. In the document, commitments are assumed to restore good ecological health of the Baltic Sea, to foster investment-friendly economies and innovation driven production, built on active application of information technologies, to create integrated energy markets and well-interconnected transport networks, effectively reducing unemployment, social exclusion and inequality in the labour market, to ensure region’s social well-being and public security, to form a common regional identity and promote extended people-to-people contacts.

The 8th Baltic Sea States Summit that took place on 1-2 June in Vilnius was the most important and final event of a year-long Lithuania’s Presidency of the Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS).

The Summit was attended by President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso, Prime Minister of Estonia Andrus Ansip, Prime Minister of Finland Matti Vanhanen, Prime Minister of Iceland Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir, Prime Minister of Latvia Valdis Dombrovskis, Prime Minister of Lithuania Andrius Kubilius, Prime Minister of Norway Jens Stoltenberg, First Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Viktor Zubkov, Deputy Prime Minister of Denmark Lene Espersen, Deputy Prime Minister of Sweden Maud Olofsson, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland Radosław Sikorski, Minister of State at the German Federal Foreign Office Werner Hoyer, and the guest of the Summit - Chair of the Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference Christina Gestrin.

At an informal dinner on 1 June, heads of the delegations focused on a co-ordinated response to the economic challenges in the region. Heads of the delegations stressed exclusive significance of such informal meetings.

On 2 June, the formal session of the 8th Baltic Sea States Summit was held at the National Gallery of Art. President of Lithuania Dalia Grybauskaitė welcomed the participants of the Summit. Representative of Finland, Chair of the Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference Ch.Gestrin also welcomed the participants of the Summit on behalf of the Baltic parliamentarians.

The first part of the session was dedicated to strengthening the role of regional cooperation frameworks (the CBSS, European Union’s Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region and Northern Dimension). The participants of the Summit stressed that the Baltic Sea region had a particularly well-developed network of regional organizations. Now it is the right time to review activities of these frameworks: to define clear priorities for regional cooperation, to aim for better co-ordination, to focus on the specific projects, and to strike the geographical balance in cooperation.

Issues of regional competitiveness, sustainable economic development and energy cooperation were discussed at the second part of the session. The participants of the Summit discussed ways to overcome the consequences of the economic crisis, strengthening the region’s global competitiveness, creating the region’s internal market, the promotion of internal and external investments and creation of new workplaces. The participants of the Summit underlined that an important factor in solving all these problems was further region’s integration.

The Summit extended a mandate for the special Task Force on Organised Crime in the Baltic Sea Region that was established by the region’s Heads of Government. The regional strategy of this task force until 2014 was also approved.

Norway takes over the Presidency of the CBSS from Lithuania on 1 July.

The Baltic Sea States Summit is traditionally held every two years.

President of the Republic of Lithuania Dalia Grybauskaitė met with the President of the European Commission, Jose Manuel Barroso, who is currently visiting Lithuania.
 
Topics discussed during the working breakfast included the preparation for the Brussels European Council in June, the economic and financial crisis in the EU, the EU's Strategy 2020, and measures to promote sustainable economic growth in the EU.
 
Energy independence of the Baltic countries is a priority for Lithuania, the Baltic Sea region and the whole European Union, President Dalia Grybauskaitė said.
 
„Despite the six years of membership in the European Union, the Baltic region is still an energy island. The Baltic countries, and Lithuania in particular, have a higher price to pay for energy resources, especially gas, than other European states. This is because we are still in energy isolation and dependent on a single source," the President of Lithuania said.
 
President Dalia Grybauskaitė underlined that all Baltic countries, including Lithuania, would seek that financial allocations were provided for in the EU's forthcoming financial perspective for energy projects vital for the region.
 
"Lithuania and other Baltic countries will seek that energy grids and electricity connections as well as integration of the Baltic region into the European economic area were included in the next financial perspective and among the most important interests of the whole European Union," the President of Lithuania said.

Vilnius, May 31 (RIA Novosti-ELTA) - Lithuania may once again consider adding its name to a Russian-Polish request to the European Commission asking for the easing of visa rules for the Russian Baltic exclave of Kaliningrad, the country's prime minister told RIA Novosti in an interview on Monday.

The European Parliament's resolution 1931/2006 allows states parties to the Schengen agreement to establish a simplified visa regime for people living in the 30-km (or 50-km) zone from both sides of the external border.

In July 2009, Lithuania, Poland and Russia started preparing a request to the European Union's main executive body, seeking to extend the resolution to all Kaliningrad Region residents. Lithuania, however, later withdrew from the preparations.

"We will once again consider [joining the request], I think the issue got stuck somewhere on the bureaucratic level. I always speak in favor of easier travel of citizens... It may need some time, but I think the issue will be solved. I'm optimistic about it," Andrius Kubilius said.

Sandwiched between Poland and Lithuania, Russia's westernmost Kaliningrad Region has no land border with Russia.

On 28 May in Vilnius, Lithuania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Audronius Ažubalis met with ambassadors of NATO countries, who reside in Lithuania. The meeting focused on the issues of international security and foreign policy, regional issues and relations with neighbouring countries.

When discussing the preparation of NATO’s new Strategic Concept, Foreign Minister stressed that after the Group of Experts presented the recommendations to NATO’s Secretary General on May 17, the preparation of the Concept moved into another stage, in which the process should remain fairly open. Member countries have to be guaranteed all possibilities to make suggestions regarding the Strategic Concept that is being prepared.

Maintaining the Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty as the key element of the Alliance remains to be Lithuania’s main priority.

It was stated that NATO’s open door policy would have to be continued. The Minister reiterated support for the decisions on the organization’s enlargement that were made at the Bucharest Summit.

The Minister informed ambassadors about the decision of the Government of Lithuania to set up a National Energy Security Centre in Vilnius starting from 1 January 2011.

According to Minister A.Ažubalis, NATO should play an appropriate role in the field of energy security. Therefore, the National Energy Security Centre will seek the status of a NATO accredited Centre of Excellence.

The Minister informed ambassadors about Lithuania’s effort in Afghanistan and highlighted that Lithuania’s commitments in this field remained unchanged.

Minister A.Ažubalis also thanked the allies for their participation in the NATO air police mission in the Baltic States.

Vilnius/Washington, May 28 (ELTA) - Lithuania and the United States are united by a historic fight for the freedom of their countries and their people, and Tadas Kosciuska, who also fought in the U.S. wars for independence, could be the symbol of this fight, Lithuanian Seimas Speaker Irena Degutiene said at the meeting of the chairmen of the Nordic and Baltic countries with Chairman of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi.

Delivering a speech at this meeting, Speaker of the Lithuanian Seimas Irena Degutiene, who is currently on a visit to the United States, warmly thanked Nancy Pelosi for the meeting on behalf of all the chairman of the Baltic and Nordic countries.

"We appreciate this meeting not only as a political necessity, but also as a sign of our similar historical experience and staying together. You, North America, were and are the leader in the fight for democracy and justice, and we, the Nordic and Baltic countries also repeatedly defended the freedom and democracy in our region - the values that are understood and nurtured on both sides of the Atlantic," said Degutiene.

According to the head of the Lithuania Seimas, over the past twenty years, the Nordic and Baltic countries have become a closely integrated community that can be characterized as a democratic, secure and stable, innovative region, implementing initiatives in the international politics, economy and social areas.

"What's more, the Nordic and Baltic countries today are like a family, which, in spite of the different memberships in the EU and NATO is increasingly characterized by close coordination of foreign and security policy, the common assession of the challenges in security and foreign policy," said Degutiene.

The Seimas speaker pointed out that our country was willing to develop innovative technologies with the United States, because there were 35 million educated, hardworking and creative citizens living in the Nordic and Baltic countries.

The head of the Lithuanian Parliament noted that those chairmen who were visiting the United States wanted to solve the energy security issues and the puzzles of the Arctic region together with the United States.

At the end of the meeting, that was 20 minutes longer than planned, Irena Degutiene presented Chairman of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi with an amber bracelet and invited her to visit Lithuania at a convenient time.

Vilnius/Washington, May 27 (ELTA) - The major countries should not make deals among themselves at the expense of such small countries as Lithuania, noted Seimas Speaker Irena Degutiene during the discussion of the parliament speakers of the Nordic and Baltic States "Strengthening of U.S., Nordic and Baltic Partnership: Parliamentary Prospects" in Washington on Wednesday.

The Seimas speaker, currently on a visit to the U.S., emphasised that Lithuania supported the search for new relations with Russia in general, but it was not ready to give up its own interests for that.

"Although the Nordic and Baltic states are gradually becoming more and more integrated region, yet everyone of us has our own understanding of security problems. First, it concerns relations with Russia," Degutiene said. "I want to stress at once that Lithuania supports the initiative of "reloading" relations between the U.S. and Russia as part of Russia's modernisation process."

Degutiene raised a question whether the concept of modernisation was understood by everybody in the same way as it was often used to describe relations with Russia.

"However, do we understand the process of modernisation in the same way? I'm asking about us, the Nordic and the Baltic states, Russia itself, and America. As I see it, Russia takes part in the modernisation process, but does it undertake commitments? Maybe Russia's understanding of modernisation only means the use of the word to promote innovations and improve their economy, but Russia has not changed in terms of a traditional geopolitics view. We speak about deeper modernisation, including structural political reforms, the implementation of the principle of the rule of law, the development of civil society. In other words, it encompasses everything to make sure that Russia follow the same democratic path as all West European countries and the same path chosen by the Baltic state," Seimas Speaker Degutiene said.

The Seimas speaker also noted that the major countries should not forget the interests of smaller countries such as Lithuania because everyone had equal rights and obligations to democracy.

On Thursday, Degutiene will attend the meeting of the Nordic and Baltic parliament speakers with Nancy Pelosi, speaker of the United States House of Representatives, Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs Howard L. Berman, the leadership of the International Republican Institute, and other high US officials. Degutiene will also visit Baltimore and meet with the local Lithuanian community.

Vilnius, May 26 (ELTA) - By choosing candidates for the prosecutor general position, this time President Dalia Grybauskaite preferred moral qualities to professional ones. The head of the state is convinced that the candidate to assume the position as Prosecutor General Darius Valys is an honest and decent man, and in the light of the current situation, such people are especially needed.

"The experience is not defined in term of the number of subordinates (in Akmene, Valys had 4 or 6 subordinates). As far as I know, he is a decent and honest man, and in the light of the current situation in the system, these are very important traits," the head of the state told the journalists when asked what led to the choice of this candidacy.

The president said it was good that the parliamentarians knew little about Valys.

"Maybe it is better that they do not know much, because it means they have less interests, (&), the person will be objective and will look at the situation objectively and will not be affected by any interest groups," said the president.

Vilnius, May 25 (ELTA) - Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius' visit to the Middle East has been postponed until autumn.

Kubilius' visit to Doha, the capital of Qatar, was scheduled for May 24-27. Chancellor of the Government Deividas Matulionis reported that the visit would not take place as planned because of arrangement problems.

"The visit will not take place because of logistical problems," Matulionis told ELTA on Tuesday.

The chancellor of the Government stated that the prime minister did not abandon his plans to visit the Middle East and would most likely go there in autumn.

The media reported that the prime minister discussed his possible visit to the Middle East with Mohammed Sulaiman Al-Khulaifi, the new ambassador of the State of Qatar to Lithuania. The diplomat, who resides in Berlin, came to Lithuania to present his credentials to President Dalia Grybauskaite.

The visit was expected to focus on economic, trade, investment and energy issues. The list of the delegation also included Energy Minister Arvydas Sekmokas. According to unverified information, Kubilius might have also visited another country of the region, Oman.

Kubilius' working visit would have been the first visit of Lithuanian leaders to this rich Persian Gulf state.

Vilnius, May 25 (ELTA) - The Seimas requests the Cabinet to submit guidelines on Lithuania's preparation for presiding over the Council of the European Union (EU) in 2013 by 11 June this year. The guidelines are supposed to include clearly defined essential principles and provisions for Lithuania's further preparation and presidency over the EU Council in the second half-year of 2013.

On Tuesday, the Seimas approved the provisions by adopting a resolution on the preparation of the Republic of Lithuania to preside over the Council of the European Union in July 1 - December 31 of 2013. The resolution was favoured by 74 MPs, 3 MPs voted against it and 3 MPs abstained from voting.

In the resolution, the Cabinet is asked to submit an updated action plan of Lithuania's preparation for the EU Presidency in 2013 by November 15. The action plan is expected to present details on the implementation of the provisions laid down in the guidelines on Lithuania's preparation for presiding over the EU in 2013.

Proposals related to the goals, priorities and measures to be taken by Lithuania during its EU Presidency are accepted until 31 March 2011.

Vilnius, May 25 (ELTA) - Lithuania will remain an active participant of the European Union's Eastern Partnership initiative and will make every effort to ensure its successful implementation, Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Audronius Azubalis said at the Eastern Partnership Foreign Ministers' Informal Meeting on 24 May in Sopot, Poland, informs Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The minister also stressed that the initiative provided a new impetus to the relations between the EU and its neighbours in the East. According to the Minister, it was necessary to move towards the implementation of specific partnership projects more promptly.

The meeting on the subject of implementation of the EU's Eastern Partnership initiative was held at the initiative of Polish Foreign Minister RadosBaw Sikorski and Foreign Minister of the current Spanish EU Presidency Miguel Angel Moratinos.

Discussions on the future of the Eastern Partnership were attended by many foreign ministers and other high-ranking officials from the EU member states, also by European Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighbourhood Policy Stefan Fule, foreign ministers and vice-ministers from the six countries of the initiative: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine.

A trilateral meeting of the Lithuanian, Belarusian and Ukrainian foreign ministers was held in Sopot. During the meeting, Ministers Azubalis, Sergei Martynov and Kostyantyn Gryshchenko briefly discussed the Eastern Partnership cooperation in the areas of transport, energy and cultural heritage, they also agreed on specific forms of cooperation.

The next trilateral meeting of the Lithuanian, Ukrainian and Belarusian foreign ministers is scheduled for September in Minsk.

The EU's Eastern Partnership is the first initiative of the European Union's external relations with Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine. The initiative is designed to promote and help the neighbouring countries in implementing reforms, thus intensifying their relations and possible approximation to the EU.

Vilnius, May 21 (ELTA) - On May 23-29, Seimas Speaker Irena Degutiene will pay official visits to Georgia and the United States.

On the eve of Georgia's Independence Day in Tbilisi, the Seimas speaker will meet with the country's highest officials to discuss strategic security issues, the geopolitical situation in the South Caucasus region, issues and prospects of bilateral cooperation between Lithuania and Georgia, the EU's Eastern Partnership Initiative.

"Soon I will be congratulating Georgia who has always supported Lithuania in its fight for freedom and with whom we have always been close in our difficult road of independence. This is not an easy road; it is marked by stumbles and wrong ways. The most important thing is to correct the mistakes. I am convinced that only a professional, consistent and peaceful reform will help Georgia to become a strong and attractive country for business and tourists, and will bring this country closer to the European Union," Degutiene said.

In Georgia, the Seimas speaker will be accompanied by Emanuelis Zingeris, head of the Seimas' Committee on Foreign Affairs, and MP Gediminas Kirkilas.

After the visit in Georgia, Seimas Speaker Degutiene and Zingeris will leave for Washington.

On May 25-29, the Seimas speaker and the MPs will attend the meeting of the Nordic and Baltic speakers of the parliaments with Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs Howard L. Berman, the International Republican Institute's heads, and other senior US officials. Degutiene will also meet with the Lithuanian community in Baltimore.

Vilnius, May 21 (ELTA) - On Friday, the Seimas adopted a resolution on approving the Government's performance report for 2009. The Parliament also recommended the Government to consider the comments of parliamentary committees in its further work.

The resolution made by a drafting commission was favoured by 64 MPs, 26 MPs voted against it and 20 MPs abstained from voting.

The document was supported by all the members of the ruling coalition, some non-affiliated Seimas' members and several members of the parliamentary group of the Lithuanian Social Democrats. All parliamentary groups in the opposition voted against the resolution.

The Government is obliged to submit its annual performance report each year. The report should also discuss the short-term priorities of the Cabinet's activities.

After the presentation, the Government's performance report is deliberated by parliamentary committees and debated in a special Seimas' discussion after which the Seimas may adopt a resolution which, though, has no legal significance.

Vilnius, May 20 (ELTA) - The Seimas approved the findings of the investigation commissions and proposed a launch of impeachment proceedings against Members of the Seimas Linas Karalius and Aleksandras Sacharukas.

80 MPs voted for the draft resolution, 12 MPs against and 20 MPs abstained.

The impeachment commissions determined that the two parliamentarians broke the oath of Seimas members and seriously violated the Constitution.

Under the Statute of the Seimas, the parliament will have to address the Constitutional Court on the conclusion whether the concrete actions of a person against whom the impeachment proceedings were launched, violated the Constitution.

Chairman of the commission, Deputy Chairman of the Homeland Union-Lithuanian Christian Democrats (TS-LKD) political group Kestutis Masiulis says that the draft resolution upon the appeal to the Constitutional Court will be submitted to the Seimas in the short run. However, the politician is not sure whether there will be enough votes to recall mandates from the two MPs.

"I see that now over 70 members of the Seimas voted in favour of the conclusions, however, it is not 90 or 85. If we had to decide according to the present voting and the voting would have been secret, the mandates would not have been recalled," said Masiulis.

He expected the fate of Karalius and Sacharukas to be decided by the end of the spring session.

Vilnius, May 20 (ELTA) - On Thursday, Minister of Foreign Affairs Rasa Jukneviciene met with Foreign Minister of Georgia Grigol Vashadze on official visit in Lithuania, the press service of the National Defence Ministry reports.

In the meeting at the Ministry of National Defence Jukneviciene reaffirmed Lithuania's support to the Euro-Atlantic integration aspirations and territorial integrity, thanked Foreign Affairs Minister Vashadze for the military contribution of Georgia in Afghanistan and to the Lithuanian-led PRT where a Georgian military medic serves since 2007. Vashadze informed that Georgia will deploy another military medic to the Chaghcharan Hospital in 2011 and will cover all the costs of sustaining two military medics in the mission.

Minister Jukneviciene encouraged Georgia to continue democratic reforms underway and emphasized that the upcoming municipal elections would be an exam of democracy that Georgia would have to pass.

Lithuanian Minister said that in defence section Lithuania will continue with its commitment of financing studies of Georgian military in Gen. Jonas Zemaitis Lithuanian Military Academy (Vilnius) and the Baltic Defence College (Tartu), consulting Georgia on public relations points, and will participate actively in NATO and Georgia's professional training programme.

Vashadze comprehensively represented the country's economical situation, which he characterised as stable and giving hope of reaching economical level of 2008 by the following year. He highlighted that municipal elections to take place in Georgia next weekend will proceed in line with all the international requirements and efforts will be put to hold the elections according to criteria of free and democratic elections.

The Lithuanian Defence Minister and the Georgian Foreign Minister meet for a second time, their first meeting took place in November last year in Vilnius.

On May 19 Ministers Jukneviciene and Vashadze and other high-ranking officials took part in a round-table discussion on the activity on the Vilnius Ten (V10).

Before ten years in May Vilnius hosted the first meeting of foreign ministers of Albania, Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia, countries aspiring to NATO membership. The meeting representatives agreed to develop unanimous cooperation to the end of Euro-Atlantic integration. Later the group was joined by Croatia and known as the V10.

Vilnius, May 20 (ELTA) - Remigijus Rekerta has been appointed as chairman of the Chief Official Ethics Commission (VTEK).

In a secret vote on Thursday, Rekerta's candidature was favoured by 53 MPs and disapproved by 15 MPs.

On March 18, the Seimas adopted a resolution on Rekerta's appointment VTEK member. His candidature was proposed by Chairman of the Supreme Court Gintaras Kryzevicius.

In 2001-2008, Remigijus Rekerta studied at Vilnius Mykolas Romeris University and obtained Master's degree in law. He worked as the senior VTEK specialist in 2004-2007. Rekerta has been the head of the VTEK Prevention Division since 2007.

Vilnius, May 18 (ELTA) - MPs have approved the findings of the Seimas ad hoc commissions that propose initiating impeachment proceedings against MPs Aleksandras Sacharukas and Linas Karalius.

The draft resolution on Sacharukas was supported by 81 MPs, 12 MPs voted against and 23 abstained.

Another draft resolution on Karalius' actions was favoured by 73 MPs, 9 MPs were against and 18 MPs abstained.

The "impeachment" commissions determined that Sacharukas and Karalius breached their oaths and grossly violated the Constitution.

According to the Commissions' Chairman Kestutis Masiulis, the Seimas ad hoc commission concluded that MP Sacharukas voted for absent Karalius for 11 times intentionally. The commission also found out that since September 2009, Sacharukas voted 55 times from the seats of other members of the Seimas.

According to Masiulis, the commission did not receive any evidence that Karalius gave his MP certificate to Sacharukas deliberately.

The commission determined that while on his private trip, Linas Karalius was using his diplomatic passport, thus discrediting the authority of the Seimas and the state.

By a majority vote, the MPs who attend the sitting will decide whether to institute impeachment proceedings and appeal to the Constitutional Court for a conclusion. Impeachment proceedings in the Seimas continue only upon coming into effect of the conclusion of the Constitutional Court whether concrete actions of the person against whom an impeachment case has been instituted are in conflict with the Constitution. The resolution on the removal from office of the person (or deprivation of his MP mandate) is adopted with the approval of at least 85 MPs in a secret vote.

Vilnius, May 18 (ELTA) - Lithuania welcomes the recommendations on new Strategic Concept for NATO, which were presented by the Group of Experts appointed by NATO Secretary General and led by former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright to the North Atlantic Council on 17 May in Brussels, the press service of the National Defence Ministry reports.

In the document "NATO 2020: Assured Security; Dynamic Engagement", the Group of Experts presents recommendations that were prepared following seminars and consultations with governmental and non-governmental organizations, scientists and officials from the Alliance's member states and partner countries, and the most important issues are widely discussed.

The recommendations reflect Lithuania's fundamental interests. The main objectives of the Alliance - the collective defence, deterrence policy, and others - are considered to be unchangeable. Emphasis is placed on the need to ensure that the Alliance is really prepared to face security challenges.

Based on these recommendations, NATO's Secretary General should develop the initial draft of NATO's new Strategic Concept and pass it on to the member countries to discuss it early this autumn. The document is expected to be adopted at the Alliance's next summit in November 2010.

Lithuania's Minister of Foreign Affairs Audronius Azubalis presented Lithuania's position on new Strategic Concept for NATO to representatives from the Group of Experts on 24 March. The position was also presented when Lithuanian representatives participated in strategic seminars and bilateral meetings.

Lithuania aims to maintain the Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty with the clause of collective defence as the key element of NATO's new Strategic Concept, and to make NATO more visible in the member states when organizing exercises and training, and developing the infrastructure. The significance of the U.S. nuclear presence in Europe should be highlighted as one of the most important elements of the Alliance's policy of deterrence.

The door of the Alliance has to remain always open to European countries that aspire to become members and meet the membership criteria. We must aim to have the NATO-Russia relations based on values, instigation of trust and fulfilment of international commitments. We must also aim to establish new mechanisms and tools to combat new threats, first and foremost, in the areas of energy security and cyber defence.

NATO's Strategic Concept is the key document for the Alliance's activities. The Strategic Concept outlines NATO's purpose and its tasks, evaluates the strategic security environment and the perspective of changes, as well as provides guidelines for further adaptation of the Alliance's military forces. At the Strasbourg-Kehl Summit in 2009, NATO leaders decided to prepare the new NATO's Strategic Concept, which is expected to be adopted at the next summit meeting in autumn 2010. The current Strategic Concept was issued in 1999.

Text: Ensign Marc D. Schron

Sailors aboard the guided missile cruiser USS Vicksburg (CG 69) visited Klaipėda, Lithuania in May for a three-day theatre security cooperation (TSC) port visit.

Sailors took part in various events including community relations (COMREL) projects, school tours, sporting events and multiple receptions hosted both aboard Vicksburg and by the Lithuanian Navy.

Distinguished guests included various officials from the Lithuanian Ministry of Defence and Lithuanian Navy.

Melnrage Municipality was the centew of COMREL efforts, where Sailors cleaned five kilometres of beachfront, dug out 15 beach accesses, cleared playgrounds and removed cement debris.

Following the clean-up, the Lithuanian and US navies partnered to host a barbeque at the nearby Palanga radar station.

Crewmembers on Vicksburg's basketball and soccer teams also participated in games against Lithuanian Navy teams.

The Lithuanian energy sector will be divided into several blocks that will be managed by the state through designated boards and supervisory councils, Arvydas Sekmokas, Energy Minister announced recently.

It is planned to separate electricity generation, transmission and distribution activities. Companies providing services for the energy sector will make up a separate group.

According to Sekmokas, a company - Lithuanian Distribution Networks - will be formed by joining Eastern Distribution Networks and VST.

Transmission system operator Litgrid, will be separated from Lietuvos Energija, and BaltPool will run electricity transmission.

Lietuvos Energija will deal with the production of electricity.

Visaginas Nuclear Power Plant will continue taking care of the construction of the new nuclear plant in Lithuania.

According to Sekmokas, all the reformations are expected to be completed by the end of 2010.

Lithuania expects support of foreign countries for its initiative to promote the cooperation of international community on the issues of dumped chemical weapons.

On 14 May at Lithuania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, foreign diplomat, who reside in Lithuania were acquainted with Lithuania’s plans to submit a draft resolution to the United Nations General Assembly this autumn.

Political Director of Lithuania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Eitvydas Bajarūnas, who attended the event, stressed that the topic was important not only to the Baltic Sea states, but also to other countries.

Political Director E.Bajarūnas said that over the past few years Lithuania had consistently aimed to ensure that the issues of dumped chemical weapons should receive international community’s attention. Conferences and seminars were organized at Lithuania’s initiative.

This topic was also presented at the United Nations General Assembly’s First Committee, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), to the European Union and during bilateral meetings.

In Vilnius, Permanent Representative of Lithuania to the OPCW Vaidotas Verba presented to foreign diplomats the UN resolution and Lithuania’s contribution to the solution of this issue.
According to the Ambassador, the resolution will urge on the countries to exchange available information on the location and state of sea-dumped chemical weapons, to inform the public about the threats caused by these weapons, to prepare guidelines for behaviour if unexpectedly encountered with sea-dumped chemical weapons, and to organize seminars and conferences on this issue.

V.Verba said that the UN resolution could become a major tool for ensuring constant attention of the international community to the issue of dumped chemical weapons. This would be Lithuania’s first resolution, submitted to the UN.

Representatives of the countries were assured that Lithuania did not suggest discussing the issues of clearing and destroying chemical weapons.

Lithuanian Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius and Latvian Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis met for a working lunch to discuss bilateral relations, ongoing and planned energy projects as well as to share the latest information on preparations for the Baltic Sea States Summit to be held on June 1-2 in Vilnius.

The counterparts have also exchanged the latest information about the Baltic energy market interconnection plan (BEMIP), a meeting of the Baltic Council of Ministers to be held in Riga in September, as well as other issues of mutual relevance.

The Prime Ministers focused on regional energy security. Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius briefed his Latvian counterpart about the new concept developed in Lithuania as regards a new energy security centre which has gained a considerable public interest.

"Since one of the priority issues in the government program is energy, the Lithuanian Government has decided to set up an energy security centre which will seek the status of NATO Centre of Excellence .We hope that this centre will make use of Lithuanian experience and incorporate the expertise of other countries on energy security. We would appreciate Latvian support with respect to this idea," said Prime Minister Kubilius.

Both Prime Ministers have expressed their delight at Estonia’s success with the Euro. The counterparts pointed out that it opens the way for Latvia and Lithuania to deny speculation that the financial crisis in Southern Europe is holding back the development of the euro area. Valdis Dombrovkis noted that the decision on Estonia's accession to the Euro club still must be endorsed by the European Council. In his view it is necessary to organize support for neighbouring Estonia. Andrius Kubilius agreed adding that the Estonian model motivates Latvians and Lithuanians to put more effort into the work leading to the invitation to join the euro zone.

Prime Minister Kubilius shared his impressions of the recent meetings with Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, US President Barak Obama and US Secretary Hilary Clinton. The Latvian Prime Minister briefed the Lithuanian Prime Minister on the meeting between the President of Latvia Valdis Zatlers and Vladimir Putin.

Lithuanian Prime Minister Kubilius finished the meeting by joking that he hoped that despite the Latvian Basketball Championship to be held on 1-2 June in Latvia (with one game in the picturesque and hospitable town Panevėžys), that Latvia will still be able to make it for the Baltic Sea States Summit in Vilnius.

President Dalia Grybauskaitė received a delegation led by the Minister of Commerce Chen Deming of the People's Republic of China. The meeting centred around bilateral relations between Lithuania and China and possibilities to expand their economic cooperation and cultural ties.
 
The President underlined in the meeting that the visit by China's Vice Premier Hui Liangyu last August and the present visit by the Minister of Commerce were a sign of increasingly close economic relations between Lithuania and China. President Grybauskaitė plans to go to China this coming Autumn to visit the international exposition EXPO2010 in Shanghai.
 
"Lithuania seeks close cooperation with China in the field of the development of transport and logistics infrastructure. Our geographical location is very favourable in this respect as we have a deep-sea port of Klaipėda and a number of well-developed logistic centres. Chinese freight transport companies could benefit from the strategically well-located transport and logistic potential of Lithuania," President Dalia Grybauskaitė said.

According to the President, a more dynamic Lithuanian-Chinese dialogue should be promoted in the context of Asia-Europe Meetings of Transport Ministers. The President and the Minister also exchanged views on possibilities to promote bilateral investment.

Vilnius, May 14 (ELTA) - Upon having taken an oath of office administered by Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite, Arunas Keraminas was appointed new Deputy Auditor General as of May 14.

Arunas Keraminas will be responsible for the coordination of the activities of Audit Department 7 and 8, supervising the use of the EU funds in Lithuania, the activities of Legal Department, Property Management Department and Information Division.

Previously, Arunas Keraminas served as Chief Adviser of the Ministry of Economy. He was responsible for the areas of EU structural assistance management, innovation and investment, strategic planning. In the new position, he will replace Tomas Mackevicius, who will join the European Court of Auditors.

35-yearl old Keraminas is a graduate of Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, and has a diploma of Industrial Engineer and Master's Degree in Management.

Vilnius, May 17 (ELTA) - Last year the Government halved its costs for representation, transportation, business trips, thus saving LTL23 million (€6.56 million).

The Government reduced its representation costs significantly - last year, the Government spent 57% less money for representation, as compared to the year 2008, and thus saved LTL10 million (€2.85 million). Also, LTL10 million was saved by reducing costs for business trips by 49%, and another LTL3 million (€0.85 million) by reducing transportation costs.

The Ministry of Justice reduced its costs by 90%, the Ministry of Interior by 87%, and the Ministry of National Defence by 81%.

By cutting representation costs, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs saved LTL4.9 million (the ministry spent 54% less money on representation as compared to 2008), Prime Minister's Office saved LTL1.1 million (it spent 63% less), and the Ministry of National Defence - LTL0.9 million (€0.25 million euros).

The Prime Minister's Office cut its business trip expenses by 70%, the Ministry of National Defence by 67%, the Ministry of Culture by 63%. By cutting costs on business trips, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs saved most LTL4.4 million (€1.25 million), the Ministry of National Defence LTL1.2 million litas (€0.34 million), Prime Minister's Office - LTL0.7 million (€0.19 million).

The Ministry of Finance reduced its transportation costs by 65.5%, the Ministry of Transport by 63%, the Ministry of Justice 58%. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs saved LTL1.5 million (€0.42 million), the Ministry of Agriculture LTL0.5 million (€0.14 million), Prime Minister's Office LTL0.3 million (€0.085 million).

Vilnius, May 12 (ELTA) - President of the Republic of Lithuania Dalia Grybauskaite participated, for the first time, in the working session "Implementing the Europe 2020 Strategy: Key Next Steps" organized by the World Economic Forum, organizer of the Davos Forum. The President and other European leaders discussed measures to be taken to promote economic recovery and ensure sustainable growth in the EU, informs press service of the president.

President Dalia Grybauskaite underlined that the whole world, including Europe, must decide now which way to go, what kind of economic stabilization instruments to use and for how long.

The fact that actions taken by Lithuania are interesting to other countries signifies that Lithuania's experience might be helpful to others who look for solutions to their own problems.
According to the president, the European Union must take more resolute actions and demonstrate solidarity and responsibility not only when it comes to emerging from the crisis but also when it comes to projecting the future until 2020.

"The Forum focused on the problems Europe faces, but this is not enough. These problems are international, global, whereas solutions, unfortunately, are national, taken on the level of individual states. This is not enough anymore. Europe must stand united, adopt a common policy, coordinate actions and look for common solutions. Even more - international organizations, too, need reforms and global solutions. I therefore urged Europe to talk less about problems but instead solve them as fast as it can and take concrete solutions that could be beneficial not only to individual countries but also to the whole Europe and the entire world," President Grybauskaite said.

In the after-lunch session on nuclear energy and higher capacities, the president of Lithuania underlined that the economic growth in Europe was hampered by uneven development of infrastructure, especially in the field of energy. The development of both electricity connections and generation capacities is therefore a must.

According to the president, the new nuclear power plant will play a crucial role in the Baltic region as it will ensure reliable supply of clean energy in the region, making use of the experience gathered so far and of the existing potential.

President Dalia Grybauskaitė started her visit to Ireland by meeting with representatives of local émigré communities and organizations. At the present moment the Lithuanian Association in Ireland unites nearly 90 000 members.

The meeting with the President at the Lithuanian Embassy in Dublin gathered many Lithuanians living in Ireland. Most of them wanted to know how the global economic and financial crisis affected Lithuania, Ireland and the whole of Europe. They also spoke about the issues of concern to the Lithuanian diaspora: Lithuanian schools, Lithuanian language teaching and citizenship.

President Grybauskaitė pointed out that leaving Lithuania or coming back home was a question of personal choice. "Ireland - the country you decided to live in - and its people are friendly to Lithuanians. Still I wish you to be always proud of Lithuania and to never forget that you are Lithuanian, wherever you might be," the President said.

Dalia Grybauskaitė also underlined the importance of keeping Lithuanian schools and preserving the Lithuanian language. She urged members of the Lithuanian community in Ireland to avail themselves more of distance education at the Vilnius Ozas Secondary School and to use special repatriate student baskets for studies in Lithuania.

The President encouraged the Lithuanian community in Ireland to keep up their active stance and to seek education and professional skills.

"Lithuania greatly needs your experience, skills and your ability to work hard. Lithuania is too small to waste its greatest national resource: the people. I hope that you find the best way to use your knowledge for the good of your homeland," the President said.

Tallinn, May 11 (LETA-ELTA) - Estonian Economy and Communications Minister Juhan Parts had a meeting on Tuesday with Rail Baltica European Union coordinator Pavel Telicka and they stated that it is possible to launch the Tallinn-Warsaw passenger train connection in the coming years, the ministry said.

Parts said that this requires cooperation and will between the three Baltic states and the European Commission.

Parts introduced to Telicka a proposal to focus on the railway connection implementation project so that passenger train transport could be launched on the existing infrastructure in the coming years.

Parts stressed that it must be possible to travel by train from Tallinn to Warsaw in a reasonable time and that the Estonian state has invested in it already and will invest in the future.

Parts said that a common initiative is needed so that passenger transport wouldn't get stuck in the web of bureaucratic and technical obstacles.

Telicka said that the topic will be raised at the next pan-European transport networks conference in June.

The Estonian state invests in 2008-2011 together with EU support nearly 1.3 bln kroons in Rail Baltica.

Vilnius, May 10 (ELTA) - Responding to the proposal of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to impose tax on pensions, Elder of the Seimas Homeland Union - Lithuanian Christian Democrats (TS-LKD) political group Jurgis Razma claims that such a proposal is unacceptable and is not even under discussion.

"For those who have condemned the Government for not applying to the International Monetary Fund for financial help, the TMF's proposal to tax pensions is a good example of what the TMF's requirements could have been, should Lithuania asked for help," said Razma.

According to the TS-LKD chairman, the financial situation of pensioners is complicated, therefore, the proposals to impose tax on pensions are not fair. Moreover, a pension is an insurance benefit, thus, it cannot be taxed as citizens' income.

Vilnius, May 7 (ELTA) - Lithuania is not very successful at communicating with Russia that is planning to construct a nuclear power plant in Kaliningrad region. Only with the intervention f diplomatic services Lithuania managed to get the documents related to the construction of this nuclear power plant that Lithuanian Ministry of Environment was interested in.

"The cooperation is taking place via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, because the Russian Federation has not been providing any information to Lithuania for some time. Only after a few diplomatic notes we received that information," said Head of the Pollution Prevention Department at the Ministry of Environment Vitalijus Auglys.

According to him, upon receiving the information of interest to it, Lithuania formulated 25 questions, but it has not received the answers yet.

"We have no answers today," said Auglys.

On Friday, the Ministry of Environment also announced that Lithuania officially opposed the plans of Belarus to construct a nuclear power plant about 50 kilometres from Vilnius.

• Senator McCain (centre) with MP E. Zingeris (left) and PM Kubilius.

Lithuania and the United States are strategic partners; Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius and Republican Senator and an old friend of Lithuania John McCain both agreed on that point during their Thursday meeting in Washington.

The leader of the Republican Party thanked Lithuania for the committed participation of its peacekeepers in the multinational mission in Afghanistan. In the senator’s opinion, there is going to be a decisive phase of battle against the Taliban fighters which is necessary to win. "Please send my thanks to those young and brave Lithuanian soldiers who are fighting for democratic values in Afghanistan”, J. McCain said during the meeting.

The senator raised the issue regarding recent changes in Belarus and Russia. To his mind, both Belarus and Russia are taking certain steps to begin a much closer dialogue with the United States. Prime Minister Kubilius agreed confirming that the last time he contacted Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and the leaders of Belarus it was obvious that their tone became milder vis-à-vis Central European countries, as both countries were eager opening up their economies for cooperation with the West. Still, as both interlocutors noted, that Russia’s attitude towards democratic developments in Ukraine, Georgia and Kyrgyzstan remained unchanged. Therefore, both politicians underlined the need for promotion and encouragement of the manifestations of the new approach as well as for the support for the democratic forces in the ongoing processes.

At the end of the meeting, Senator J. McCain said that the Baltic countries have always had a special place in his heart, and he had never recognized the occupation of the Baltic States and had always been an ardent believer that our countries would one day regain freedom, and was so pleased when it came true. “You are a free society with competitive economy and culture”, said the senior Republican Senator.

John McCain participated in the Vietnam War, was badly injured and captured by the Vietnamese, and spent six years in the captivity. Since 1986 McCain has been winning re-election to the Senate from Arizona. In the US presidential elections the Republican nominee McCain lost to George W. Bush; in 2008 he secured the Republican nomination but lost to Democratic candidate Barack Obama in the general election.

Prime Minister Kubilius is on a five working days’ working visit to the United States, the major objective of the visit is search for investments into Lithuania’s high-tech sector, but the Prime Minister is also scheduled to meet with high-ranking state officials. On Thursday afternoon Lithuanian time the Prime Minister is to meet with United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Vilnius, May 11 (ELTA) - On Tuesday, the Seimas will consider the annual Government performance report 2009.

Three Seimas oppositional political groups - the Social Democrats, the Labour Party and the Order and Justice political group - propose not to approve of the annual Government performance report 2009.

Elders of the said political groups Algirdas Butkevicius, Valentinas Mazuronis and Vytautas Gapsys registered such draft resolution at the Secretariat of the Seimas Sittings. They point out that "the real situation of Lithuanian economic, financial, social, judicial and other key areas is biased and there are no realistic solutions proposed to solve the complex problems".
Meanwhile, the conservatives, liberals and liberal centrists propose to approve of the report.

In their draft resolution they point out "the Government's efforts to simplify the conditions of companies' restructure and labour market, improve the business environment, and reform the tax administration procedures and other ways to reduce business risks and administrative burden to the business and investment".

The ruling also emphasize the Government's reforms implemented in the areas of health and education, as well as improvement of the state management model.

A Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius-led delegation is going on a working visit to the United States of America on 4-9 May.

Apart from meetings with US high-tech company managers, theacademic community and politicians, the leader of the Lithuanian Government will open the 2010 US-Baltic Hi-Tech Forum on 6 May in Washington by making a presentation on Lithuania's IT achievements.

The two-day forum is expected to bring new HI-Tech cooperation opportunities to both the organizers as well as the participants (Lithuanian, Latvian, Estonian and US companies and business leaders)

"Vibrant economic cooperation as it is between Lithuania and the USA, I believe there is still much space for further development of bilateral economic relations and mutual interests. We would encourage US investment and closer cooperation on renewable energy, innovation, research and development, nanotechnology, biotechnology, as well as service sectors.

"The Lithuanian Government has done its utmost in attracting foreign investment, granting exclusive priority to technology and high added value projects. We are prepared to provide investors with exclusively competitive conditions, and grant special incentives tailored to individual foreign investors. Lithuania can certainly offer more than you think," said the Prime Minister ahead of the visit.

The delegation will participate in open European day events arranged by the Lithuanian Embassy in Washington DC on 8 May. The Embassy has been involved in the European Union's Open House program. One of the themes is modern green technologies.

The Prime Minister is expected to talk to visitors and distinguished guests not only about the picturesque and green landscape of Lithuania, but also about modern and clean technologies and Lithuanian business achievements in the field of lasers. Together with the head of the European delegation in the US and the Spanish Ambassador, the Lithuanian Prime Minister will plant a tree.

In Boston, meetings have been scheduled with Governor of Massachusetts Deval Patrick, Ted Kelly, CEO of the Liberty Mutual Group, owners and managers of EMC and Bain Capital Partners. Prime Minister Kubilius will give a lecture on the achievements of Lithuania at the Massachusetts University of Technology, and meet with the university\'s president Susan Hockfield and teaching professors.

Other official meetings in Washington and New York are still under arrangement. It has been confirmed that a video conference will be held with Pennsylvania-based Cisco managers. The Prime Minister will also visit the IBM labs.

At the request of the popular and influential magazine Forbes, Kubilius will meet with Steven Forbes, the owner and chief editor of the magazine.

The agenda also provides for a short bike ride - almost 30 km from Mount Vernon to the Lithuanian Embassy in Washington and is expected to include not only the Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius, but the accompanying delegation as well.

Vilnius, Apr 28 (ELTA) - On Wednesday, the Seimas Impeachment Commissions will consider the draft conclusions. The parliamentary commissions will decide whether there are grounds to launch impeachment proceedings against Members of the Seimas Linas Karalius and Aleksandras Sacharukas.

The Seimas commission should carry out an investigation and draw its conclusions by 1 May this year.

The initiators of the impeachment believe that there are sufficient grounds to conclude that MPs Karalius and Sacharukas grossly violated the Constitution and broke the oath given by a member of the Seimas.

The initiators of impeachment are convinced that MP Sacharukas, elder of the Seimas' group of the Christian Party and the head of the Seimas' Commission for Parliamentary Scrutiny of Intelligence Operations, and MP Karalius "acted jointly after making an agreement in advance in order to cover Karalius' absence from Seimas sittings and to misappropriate state budget funds in such a way.

Vilnius, Apr 27 (ELTA) - Seimas Speaker Irena Degutiene has received a text of interpellation to Transport Minister Eligijus Masiulis. The document was signed by 44 MPs belonging to the opposition's parliamentary groups.

The opposition leader Vytautas Gapsys, elder of the Labour Party's parliamentary group, Elder of the Order and Justice Party Valentinas Mazuronis and Leader of the Social Democrats Algirdas Butkevicius handed the signatures to the Seimas speaker on Tuesday.

"The text includes several dozen questions related to various areas that the Transport Ministry is responsible for, starting from employment of the head of Lietuvos Pastas (the Lithuanian Post), and ending with proposals to privatise state roads. The questions are important, we will see whether the minister will answer them in a detailed and honest way," Mazuronis said.

During the session, a group of at least one fifth of MPs (29 of a total of 141) may submit an interpellation to the minister.

Under the Statute of the Seimas, no signature can be recalled after the interpellation has been submitted to the Speaker of the Seimas, who registers it without delay and gives it to the appropriate Government and Seimas Members.

Upon receipt of an interpellation, within two weeks, a Government member must submit a written response to the Speaker of the Seimas, which the MPs will be familiarised with.

Upon receipt of a reply to the interpellation, the Seimas deliberates the said reply at a sitting during its session, within five working days.

In the event that the reply of the Prime Minister or the individual minister is declared inadequate a non-confidence in the Prime Minister or the individual minister is declared in a draft resolution of the Seimas, the said draft is adopted by majority vote of more than a half of all the Seimas Members in a secret ballot.

Vilnius, Apr 27 (ELTA) - The Board of the Seimas decided to address the Seimas Commission on Ethics and Procedures, asking it to investigate whether the recent words of MP Arunas Valinskas in the media violated the Code of Conduct for State Politicians.

According to the spokeswoman of the Nation's Resurrection Party, in the light of various speculations and discussions, at 10 am on Tuesday, Arunas Valinskas himself addressed the Chairman of the Seimas Commission on Ethics and Procedures Algimantas Salamakinas. The politician asked them to consider and assess what he said about President Dalia Grybauskaite.

As reported, Member of the Seimas Evaldas Jurkevicius asked the Chief Official Ethics Commission (VTEK) to investigate whether Chairman of the Nation's Resurrection Party (TPP) Arunas Valinskas, who publicly described President Dalia Grybauskaite as in "the position of a resentful woman", did not violate professional ethics and did not demean the name of the Seimas member.

MP Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis registered a draft resolution at the Secretariat of the Seimas Sittings, proposing to apologise to President Dalia Grybauskaite in the name of the Seimas for the disrespectful words of Arunas Valinskas.

Also, the Seimas Commission on Ethics and Procedures was asked to investigate whether it did not also violate the provisions of the Code of Conduct for State Politicians.

Vilnius, Apr 26 (ELTA) - The initiative group, which seeks that the nation could be given the right to dissolve the Seimas, has failed to collect the signatures necessary for holding a referendum.
The party submitted sheets with the signatures of 250,000 citizens to the Central Electoral Commission (VRK) on Monday.

The initiators of the referendum failed to collect the 300,000 signatures necessary for holding a referendum and asked the VRK to extend the deadline for collecting signatures by another month.

According to VRK Chairman Zenonas Vaigauskas, this application will be considered in the nearest Commission's sitting.

The initiative group, led by Chairman of the New Union (the Social Liberals) Arturas Paulauskas, proposed to amend the Constitution so that the president would be authorized to announce early parliamentary elections after the signatures of 300,000 citizens, who are entitled to vote, on the Seimas' dissolution were collected.

At the VRK sitting on Monday, Paulauskas said that the Law on Referendum should be amended because of too complicated rules for collecting signatures.

According to Gediminas Dalinkevicius, member of the initiative group, the persons who collected signatures faced strong resistance of authorities as they were prohibited to collect signatures at state institutions.

Leader of the New Union Paulauskas thanked the residents who supported the initiative of the referendum. "The people expressed their political will. This is the most important thing. This is a significant win of the people of Lithuania. A great number of people did not sign the sheets as they were afraid to lose their jobs. They were under psychological pressure. A lot of people admitted that openly," Paulauskas stated.

Vilnius, Apr 27 (ELTA) - On April 27-30, Lithuanian Minister of National Defence Rasa Jukneviciene will pay a working visit to the United States of America. It will be the second minister's visit to the US since the beginning of last year.

During her visit, Lithuanian Minister of National Defence Rasa Jukneviciene will meet with US Secretary of Defence Robert Gates.

In Washington, the visit of the Lithuanian delegation will start with discussions at the North Atlantic Council regarding cooperation between the countries of the Nordic-Baltic region and Poland. Later, Minister Jukneviciene will meet with Chief of the National Guard Bureau General Craig McKinley and attend a working dinner with Stephen Flanagan, Vice President of the Center for Strategic and International Studies and Chair of the Group of Experts on the new NATO's Strategic Concep.

Rasa Jukneviciene will also participate in a reception hosted by the Embassy of Poland on the occasion of the Polish Constitution Day.

Also, Minister Jukneviciene will meet with Richard Holbrooke, Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, and Ellen Tauscher, US Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security.

After these meetings, the Lithuanian defence minister will leave for Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, to meet with Edward Rendell, Pennsylvania's Governor.

Vilnius, Apr 23 (ELTA) - MEP Viktor Uspaskikh, leader of the Labour Party, has advised President Dalia Grybauskaite to demand Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius' resignation.
The politician said that only Kubilius received less public support than Valinskas, politicians' ratings showed.

According to Uspaskikh, the president applied double standards by not requesting Kubilius to leave his office.

"Grybauskaite stated that Valinskas was not suitable for the culture minister as he lacked public confidence. However, she did not have time to read newspapers today probably. According to the latest public opinion polls, 75% of the residents distrust Valinskas, while as much as 85% of the voters said having no confidence in Kubilius, who is a record-breaker in this area, yet Grybauskaite has no doubts about his ability to hold the post of the prime minister. I think that this is a manifestation of the president's double standards," Uspaskikh said.

The MEP said that if Grybauskaite was as principled an official as she was trying to demonstrate, she would have demanded Kubilius' resignation immediately. "I would not like to assess Valinskas' suitability for the post of the culture minister or his manner of work, but if Grybauskaite thinks that Valinskas is unsuitable to head the Culture Ministry due to the lack of public confidence, she must admit that Kubilius cannot lead the Government either.

"I think that after saying "a", the head of state should say "b" and request that Kubilius would step down because he has long lost public confidence," the chairman of the Labour Party said.

* Photo: Aleph, Creative Commons Licence

Vilnius, Apr 12 (ELTA) - German Chancellor Angela Merkel has confirmed her participation in the eighth meeting of the heads of government of the Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS) in Vilnius on June 1-2.

The CBSS meeting will be attended by the heads of government of the Baltic region which includes 11 states. Russia’s Prime Minister Vladimir Putin is also likely to attend the meeting.
President of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso and delegation of the Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference have also been invited to take part in the meeting.

“Your proposed main summit topics, such as competitiveness, sustainable economic growth and energy cooperation, are very important to the future of our region. I look forward to our discussions with gladness and interest and I am happy that I can confirm my participation,” the German chancellor writes in the letter to Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius.

Vilnius, Apr 7 (ELTA) - Lithuania must cut its public deficit down to 3% of GDP in 2012 to be able to adopt the euro at the beginning of 2014, the Prime Minister says.
According to Kubilius, effective, transparent and orderly management of public finances is an important task for the Government.

“We seek that the Lithuanian public debt would not be so big that we would not be ashamed at looking into the eyes of our children and grandchildren, because the debt increases very rapidly when public finance is managed improperly, especially if the deficit is not reduced, and here we have very clear goals - to reach the 3% limit established by the Maastricht criteria within the two coming years,” the Prime Minister said after the sitting of the Commission for the Coordination of the Adoption of the Euro on Wednesday.

Kubilius stated that in such a way the growth of public debt would be stabilised, borrowing conditions would not become worse and there would be the possibility of euro adoption after achieving proper management of public finance.

“We plan what we have reported to the European Commission in our approved Convergence Programme so that we could have properly managed public finances as soon as 2012. This means that we could strive for euro adoption as of the beginning of 2014,” he said.

Vilnius, Mar 31 (ELTA) - At its sitting on Wednesday, the board of AB Lietuvos Paštas (Lithuanian Post) dismissed the company’s Director General Andrius Urbonas. Aidas Ignatavičius, Head of company Pašto Tinklo Tarnybos, was appointed Interim Director General as of this Thursday.

“The events related to the head of Lithuanian Post unpleasantly surprised all of us. Today we have to ensure that all the processes that are carried out in the institution and aimed at stabilization of the financial situation, increasing of revenue and streamlining the company’s performance, would be further implemented successfully. This is the task for the interim head,” said Deputy Minister of Transport, Chairman of the Board of Lithuanian Post Rimvydas Vaštakas.

Lithuanian Post is the biggest and oldest postal service company with the biggest postal network - 735 post offices - in our country. 100% of shares of Lithuanian Post are owned by the state; its head is appointed and dismissed by its board.

Vilnius, Apr 7 (ELTA) - At the start of building the North European gas pipeline Nord Stream, Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius calls for reflection on economic logic of the project after new shale gas fields have been discovered.

“The builders of Nord Stream should think what they are building the pipeline for and what economic logic lies behind that. Prime Minister Putin and I spoke about the radical change in the global gas situation changes due to the appearance of shale gas in the U.S. and our neighbour Poland,” Kubilius said after the Government’s sitting on Wednesday.

The prime minister said that he read about doubts on economic feasibility of Nord Stream in the influential British weekly The Economist.

As reported, the Gazprom project Nord Stream was already launched. The pipeline is intended to supply Russian gas directly to Europe, bypassing transit countries.

Vilnius, Apr 2 (ELTA) - The Prosecutor General’s Office will demand additional documents on the decommissioning of the Ignalian nuclear power plant (IAE) from the Energy Ministry.

According to Raimondas Petrauskas, Acting Prosecutor General, at a coordination meeting on Friday prosecutors discussed criminal intelligence investigations and the material of the National Audit Office which contained specific facts related to offences.

“Attention was paid to the functions of the Energy Ministry on monitor supervision of the plant’s closure work,” Petrauskas said.

According to the current head of the Prosecutor’s Office, the meeting decided to formulate a request to the energy minister on the submission of the material and to hold the next coordination meeting at the IAE on Wednesday.

The Prosecutor General’s Office in conjunction with the Special Investigation Service, the State Security Department and the Financial Crime Investigation Service are investigating the possible misappropriation of funds when closing the IAE and cooperate with the new IAE leadership to prevent any embezzlement of funds.

Vilnius, Apr 8 (ELTA) - On Thursday, President Dalia Grybauskaite presented awards to winners of the Best Dissertation 2009 competition organized by the Lithuanian Scientific Society. The competition was held for the fourth time.

“Creative young people are the engine of the country’s prosperity. Lithuania will have its future if we invest into youth, education and science,” said the President.

According to the head of the state, it is vital to ensure that young scientists will create and work in Lithuania. Therefore, it is important to encourage young scientists to join scientific societies, and to facilitate the implementation of their ideas.

President Dalia Grybauskaite wished all Lithuanian scientists new creative ideas, concentration and discoveries.

Vilnius, Apr 7 (ELTA) - The ruling coalition of change will decide on possible tax law amendments, Seimas Speaker Irena Degutienė says.

According to the Seimas speaker, the Coalition of Change plans a separate discussion on tax issues, and tax policies will be in focus again. Degutienė was not specific about the taxes.
“I want to draw attention to the fact that, if we change anything, we need to think how to link income with expenditure. One fragment cannot be changed without taking into account the fact that revenues will decline, while expenditures will remain the same. In such a way we will raise the fiscal deficit again. We cannot do that. We will return to this issue in the short run and the coalition will decide on possible amendments to tax laws,” Degutienė said on Žiniu Radijas on Wednesday.

The Seimas speaker emphasised that revenue should be tied to expenditure. If there are not enough taxes collected, the social, healthcare, education and cultural sectors will suffer. Degutienė heaped reproach on the Social Democrats that were in power previously, as Lithuania could have introduced progressive taxation a long time ago, which, according to the Seimas speaker, would be socially fair.

The President of the Republic of Lithuania Dalia Grybauskaitė met with Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin in Helsinki recently.

The President and Russia's Prime Minister discussed bilateral relations and prospects for co-operation, and agreed to develop constructive dialogue.

In the meeting, the President stressed the need to ensure that Lithuanian business in Russia is not discriminated on the national basis.

"Russia is an important trade partner for Lithuania, and closer bilateral co-operation would be ensured if equal business conditions and requirements were applied to Lithuanian companies operating in Russia," President Dalia Grybauskaitė said.

The discussion in the meeting also covered co-operation in energy. According to the President, Lithuania is interested in having a more flexible pricing mechanism for Russian gas imports to Lithuania, i.e. a mechanism compliant to gas pricing principles applied with respect to other European users.

The President also informed the Putin on Lithuania's strong commitment to continue the new nuclear power plant construction project in Visaginas, which is expected to ensure energy stability and diversity of power supply for the whole region. 

On the issue of environmental problems affecting the Baltic Sea, President Grybauskaitė suggested that Russia could co-operate with Lithuania in carrying out projects aimed at cleaning up weapons and hazardous chemical substances in the Baltic Sea.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev congratulated President Dalia Grybauskaitė on the approaching 20th Anniversary of the Re-establishment of Lithuanian Independence and invited her for a bilateral visit to Russia at a time convenient to her.

"I am grateful for the invitation to the celebrations of the 20th Anniversary of the Re-establishment of Independence of the Republic of Lithuania. I would like to extend my congratulations on this anniversary and to wish you and the people of Lithuania every success," President Medvedev wrote in his message of congratulations.

The Russian President expressed his regrets that he would not be able to participate in the 11 March festivities in Vilnius due to his pre-arranged international engagements. He delegated Mr Igor Levitin, Russian Transport Minister and Russian Co-Chairman of the Lithuanian-Russian Intergovernmental Commission, to represent Russia at the commemorative events.

"It is with warmth that I recall our short but fruitful conversation in Berlin. I hope to meet you in the near future and I invite you to visit the Russian Federation at a time convenient for you. I believe that we will be able to discuss a whole range of issues topical for Lithuanian-Russian relations and project the ways to making our bilateral cooperation more dynamic," President Medvedev wrote.

Commenting on Dmitry Medvedev's letter of congratulations on the anniversary of Lithuania's re-independence, President Dalia Grybauskaitė said that it was an important step made by Russia in shaping good neighbourly relations.

Vilnius, Mar 1 (ELTA) - The Liberal Movement will not hold any talks with any opposition parties on forming a new ruling coalition, leader of the party Transport Minister Eligijus Masiulis stated. The Liberal Movement promises to present its proposals on reduction of taxes as of 2011 in the short run.

"On Saturday the board of the Liberal Movement said clearly - these signs of an economic recovery that have appeared and the fact that it is expected to collect more revenues to the state budget than has been planned mean that as soon as this year we have to decide on the functioning of the tax policy and tax system as of 2011," Masiulis told reporters on Monday.

The Liberal Movement will propose its coalition partners to introduce the taxes of the pre-crisis level again. According to Masiulis, first this provision should be applied to value added tax (VAT). VAT exemptions should also be brought back.

"We think that the reduction of taxes in 2011 would lead to faster growth of the Lithuanian economy and the people of Lithuania would be able to feel the economic growth that has started," the leader of the Liberal Movement said.

According to Masiulis, so far the Liberals have not officially presented their proposals to coalition partners; therefore there is no reaction to them. However, the Liberal Movement states that it will not talk with opposition parties over the new coalition.

"The Liberals will surely not negotiate with any alternative coalition. We believe in the coalition in which we work. In this whole process (the formation of a new coalition - ELTA) I see more elements of a political show than real actions. In my opinion, we have more public relations here than actual attempts to form an alternative Government. I think that today the opposition is really unable to form an alternative Government," Masiulis said.

Vilnius, Mar 1 (ELTA) - President Dalia Grybauskaite appointed Raimondas Sukys as health minister. Sukys will take office no sooner than 10 march when the Seimas starts its spring session and he will be sworn in.

The head of state stressed that the healthcare system must be continued, prices for medicinal products must be reduced, corruption must not be tolerated and wished Sukys "all success, patience and health in such a difficult job”.

Speaking about healthcare reform, Grybauskaite noted that its continuity should be guaranteed at the highest level.

Sukys stated that legal acts necessary for the further implementation of reform had been adopted by the Government and would be continued. The minister-designate said that reform would not be stopped or revised; only mistakes would be corrected if necessary.

During the meeting with Sukys Grybauskaite also noted the issue of corruption.

"The minister is obligated to take responsibility to eliminate corruption in the ministry at all levels and the minister who has lawyer's education and great experience is obligated to take all the necessary measures to ensure a zero level of corruption," said presidential spokesman Linas Balsys.

Vilnius, Feb 26 (ELTA) - Seimas Speaker Irena Degutiene has called on Ambassador Mingtao Tong of the People's Republic of China to Lithuania not to politicize the issue of Tibet and to accept it as a natural phenomenon of cultural diversity. The head of the Parliament notes that Lithuania is concerned about human rights in China.

"Lithuania calls for respect for human rights and culture as well as religion in Tibet. Therefore, the dialogue between China and representatives of the Dalai Lama should be essential and constructive, it needs to take into account the preservation of the Tibetan language, cultural identity, religion and traditions," Degutienė told the ambassador.

The Chinese ambassador showed interest in the resolution of human rights in Tibet and Lithuania's position on this matter. Degutienė emphasised that Lithuania maintained the EU's common stand on Tibet.

"Together with other member states of the European Union we speak for dialogue between Chinese authorities and the Dalai Lama, peaceful regulation of relations which would allow seeking sustainable solution and guaranteeing respect for cultural and religious identity," Degutienė said.

The meeting also covered bilateral relations of political, economic and cultural co-operation between Lithuania and China.

Vilnius, Feb 25 (ELTA) - If parliamentary elections were held at the end of February, the parties in the opposition - the Social Democrats, the Labour Party and the party Order and Justice would have won, while the ruling Homeland Union-Lithuanian Christian Democrats (TS-LKD) would take fourth place with a support of 8.3% of the electorate.

According to the poll conducted by the public opinion and market research company Spinter Tyrimai, the Social Democrats would receive 13.2% of votes. The Labour Party would be favoured by 12.6% of the respondents and the Order and Justice party would be supported by 9.2% of the respondents.

Among those polled, 8.3% would vote for the ruling TS-LKD and 5.3% would favour the Liberal Movement which also works in the ruling coalition.

According to political scientist Antanas Kulakauskas, it actually means that the first four political parties have more or less equal power as the difference in popularity of political parties is often below 3%.

Vilnius, Feb 24 (ELTA) - Lithuania welcomes the decision of the Turkish Government to lift the visa regime to Lithuanian tourists, said Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius at a meeting with Turkish Minister for European Affairs and chief negotiator Egemen Bagis and other members of the Turkish delegation.

"I am convinced that these circumstances and the fact that Vilnius transfers the title of European Capital of Culture to Istanbul in 2010 will be beneficial for developing bilateral relations in the areas of tourism, economy and cultural exchange," the head of the Government emphasised.

The prime minister noted that Turkey remained an important economic partner of Lithuania and called on Turkish investors to be more determinate at making use the benefits of the Lithuanian free economic zone and favourable conditions provided by industrial parks.

Kubilius assured the Turkish minister that Lithuania was prepared to continue sharing its experience in the EU integration with Turkey.

Vilnius, Feb 23 (ELTA) - MP Linas Karalius, who has become notorious for his holidays and missed sittings, says that he will not explain his behaviour to the Seimas' Commission for Ethics and Procedures because he has been allegedly offended by the Commission's Chairman Algimantas Salamakinas. The head of the Commission himself says that Karalius is trying to avoid responsibility.

According to Salamakinas, Karalius did not arrive to the sitting of the Seimas' Commission for Ethics and Procedures on Tuesday as he had meetings with electors in Klaipeda and delivered a lecture on the harm of drugs at Maksimas Gorkis secondary school. Karalius also said that he would be able to submit his explanations to the Board of the Seimas or the Assembly of Elders, but not the Commission.

"I have a letter that he (Karalius - ELTA) will not come to the sittings of the Commission for Ethics and Procedures at all because he was offended by my statement that Linas Karalius deserved impeachment for such violations. He thinks that I have offended him on purpose and that I almost deserve impeachment for this statement myself," Salamakinas said after the Commission's sitting.

Vilnius, Feb 23 (ELTA) - Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite positively evaluated the new position of former Minister of Foreign Affairs Vygaudas Usackas as Special EU Representative for Afghanistan and Head of Mission in the country and said that Lithuania received a good position.

According to the head of the state, Lithuania addressed the Council of Europe, the European Commission and Head of the Foreign Policy Catherine Ashton, and discussed the possibilities of Lithuanian diplomats to obtain good positions in the new EU diplomatic service.

-I am very pleased that Lithuania received good position," said Grybauskaite.

His main task will be to assist with the implementation of the new western strategy in Afghanistan, which foresees reaching out to elements of the Taliban. He will also co-ordinate the EU's security and development assistance to the country.

The European Union has had a special representative to Afghanistan for several years. Since July 2008, Italian Ettore Francesco Sequi has served as EU Special Representative to Afghanistan. His term of office is due to expire at the end of this month.

* Photo: Valdas Kopūstas (ELTA)

Brussels, Jan 27 (ELTA) - During the closed session of the EU Committee on Legal Affairs, MEP Vikto-ras Uspaskich’s parliamentary immunity will be decided upon.During the closed session, Viktoras Uspaskich will have an opportunity to state his position.

Afterwards, the Committee on Legal Affairs will adopt a decision on the basis of which the EP Committee might propose to approve of the request of Lithuanian prosecutor’s office to waive Uspaskich’s legal immunity or on the contrary, to defend it.

The position of the committee is very important. The cases when MEPs do not approve of EP to decide upon Uspaskich’s immunity the committee’s decisions are exceptional.Viktoras Uspaskich is one of the accused in the criminal proceedings for fraudulent accountancy of the Labour Party.

According to Prosecutor at the Department of Organized Crime and Corruption at the Prosecutor’s General Office Saulius Verseckas, further proceedings will only be possible if the EP gives its consent for bringing Viktoras Uspaskich to justice and lifting his legal immunity.

Uspaskich himself sent letters to the President of the European Parliament Jerzy Bruzek, Head of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE) (Guy Verhofstadt) and Chairman of the EP Legal Affairs committee Klaus-Heneir Lehne, complaining he has become a victim of political violence and comparing his case to that of former Yukos Head Michail Chodorkovskis, who was sentenced to eight years because of tax evasion.

Strasbourg, Jan 29 (ELTA) - On April 28, the Strasbourg-based Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights will start hearing the action lodged by MEP Rolandas Paksas, the impeached head of state, over the alleged conspiracy of political groups against him as president in 2003-2004.

According to Paksas, he was deprived of his right to a defence, and an impartial and fair trial.“The case is open after six years since I brought the action. It is started to be heard in the face of new circumstances which again prove that there has been a conspiracy aimed to remove the president who created problems for clans - the president, who strictly prohibited the establishment of torture chambers of a foreign country in Lithuania.

“I am convinced that justice will win as this case is not against Lithuania, but against the politicized clans and the system which organized the conspiracy under the name of Lithuania,” Paksas said.In the case at the European Court of Human Rights the defendant will be the Lithuanian Government, which has its own representative to the court.

Vilnius, Jan 20 (ELTA) - Foreign Minister Vygaudas Ušackas decided to step down after the president expressed no confidence in him, reported the LNK News on late Wednesday.

Such a decision was made by the head of the Lithuanian diplomacy after the sitting of the ruling coalition on Wednesday evening. The coalition partners decided that the minister could not resume his work because of the lost confidence.

“The coalition agreed on viewing Ušackas as a foreign minister favourably, but, without any doubt, it is impossible not to react to the present situation,” Leader of the Liberal Movement Eligijus Masiulis told reporters after the sitting.

“It will be as the coalition has decided. It means that I will obey the agreement of the coalition. (...) Yes (I will step down - ELTA),” the foreign minister said.

The State Defence Council has approved, in substance, the concept for strengthening the control and coordination of intelligence, which was worked out at the initiative of President Dalia Grybauskaitė and which will serve as the basis for restructuring the national intelligence system.

According to the President, the need to make immediate restructuring changes evolved not only because of the evident shortcomings in coordinating and controlling intelligence and the politicized nature and insufficiently effective activities of the State Security Department, but also because of new threats to national security.

“The work of Lithuanian secret services must be depoliticized and organized in a way that would allow politicians responsible for national and economic security to immediately receive the necessary information for decision-making.

Reaching a political agreement on the control and coordination of intelligence marks the start of building a more effective intelligence system,” the President underlined.

The President of the Republic of Lithuania Dalia Grybauskaitė received candidates to the position of the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Chairman of the Seimas Committee for Foreign Affairs, Audronius Ažubalis.

The parties of the meeting discussed the vision and priorities of Lithuania’s foreign policy and the prospects of cooperation between the President and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and exchanged views on how Lithuania’s role could be strengthened within the European Union and NATO and in its relations with neighbouring countries.

Vilnius, 19 January (ELTA) - On Tuesday, discussing a joint alternative Government programme, representatives of the Seimas opposition political groups formed an alternative programme working group and discussed the possibility of a new coalition.

“We propose to change the course of the current Government, which has deepened the crisis in Lithuania. Numerous countries of the European Union are handling this difficult times much easier, because they have chosen the promotion of domestic consumption, the reduction of taxes that fall on the shoulders of the weakest. Over a year, the unemployment increased almost four times, and it hit Lithuanian families and the very social system worst,” said Deputy Elder of the Social Democrats political group Juozas Olekas.

Representatives of the Order and Justice political group, Labour Party, One Lithuania political group as well as representatives of mixed parties participated in the meeting of the heads of opposition political groups.

“Currently, there are 59 members in the opposition. We see that there are conflicts in the ruling majority, the positions of some parliamentarians are in line with our proposal, this is a strong foundation on which we can unite.

“We offer a way that is socially fairer and easier, that would help Lithuania out of the hardship,” said Olekas.

According to the Leader of the Labor Party Viktoras Uspaskich, before going to Brussels after the New Year, met with the heads of the Social Democrats and Order and Justice political groups.

According to the Vice Minister of the Order and Justice, Party Valentinas Mazuronis, there is need to change the Government. It is important to change the course of the Lithuanian man­agement.

• Photo: Valdas Kopūkstas (ELTA)

Vilnius, Dec 31 (ELTA) - Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius called the control of the crisis as the most important task of 2009.

“The sudden and deep crisis was the most important event of the year. To manage the crisis was the biggest challenge. I am pleased that we managed to withstand and control the crisis, I cannot say that we managed to get out of it, but the very fact that we managed to control it is a significant achievement,” said Kubilius in the interview with Žinių Radijas.

The head of the Government noted that next year most focus will be put upon the unemployment problem.

Andrius Kubilius said the election of Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaitė was one of the most important events of the year. “Such election results are a great stimulus and support for people,” he said.

Lithuanian Prime Minister also said that the mini restructuring in the energy sector, the dissolution of LEO LT, the health and education reforms, the restructuring of bureaucracy were other important events of the year.

Vilnius, Dec 22 (ELTA) - Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaitė evaluates the conclusions of the Seimas’ Committee on National Security and Defence (NSGK) as another step towards transparency and openness. These conclusions have proven the suspicions of the President, ELTA was told by presidential spokesman Linas Balsys.

According to Balsys, the president does not think that the information which has been disclosed might harm Lithuania’s relations with the United States and recalls that the administration of President Barack Obama has started to go towards openness itself, thus this policy is continued.

The NSGK determined that there might have been a CIA prison in Lithuania, as there were premises, there were possibilities to trespass the Lithuanian border, there were aircraft related to the CIA, and the state authorities were not informed about that or informed superficially. NSGK did not determine if the prisoners were detained in Lithuania or not.

The NSGK decided to address the Prosecutor’s General Office and ask to determine whether former VSD heads Mecys Laurinkus, Arvydas Pocius and former deputy head Dainius Dabasinskas went beyond their commissions.

ELTA reminds that President Dalia Grybauskaitė ordered the Government to recall Mecys Laurinkus from the post of the ambassador to Georgia. Laurinkus served as Head of VSD from June 1998 until April 2004.

Pocius headed the VSD in 2004-2007. He was dismissed as soon as the unfavourable conclusions of the NSGK parliamentary investigation were confirmed.

In August this year, Dainius Dabasinskas was dismissed from the post of the deputy CEO of the State Security Department (VSD) and appointed ministerial advisor at the Lithuanian Embassy in Kiev.

Grybauskaitė to continue dialogue with Lukashenko

Vilnius, Jan 7 (ELTA) - The extradition of Gen Vladimir Uschopchik, living in Belarus, who is accused of conspiracy against the state in the case of the January 13 events in 1991, might be solved only at a political level, President Dalia Grybauskaitė says.

The dialogue with Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko will be further developed with regard to that, the president adds.

“I have always believed that this issue can only be solved at a political level, thus, the political dialogue with Mr Lukashenko will be continued,” the President told journalists.

The Prosecutor General’s Office received a letter from the Prosecutor General’s Office of Belarus stating that Belarus rejected Lithuania’s applications for legal aid in the January 13 case.

Repeated demands for criminal proceedings against Uschopchik and Stanislava Juonien, living in Belarus, were sent to the law enforcement institutions of Belarus in autumn 2009.

“The execution of legal aid application of the Republic of Lithuania in this case is against the essential principles of the laws of the Republic of Belarus,” the communication report reads.

(alfa.lt) A Lithuanian newspaper says sources in Lithuania’s centre-right ruling coalition have begun dropping hints about a looming cabinet reshuffle, the Baltic News Service has reported.
The daily Vilniaus diena said “unofficial sources” have told it that the prime minister and Conservative party leader, Andrius Kubilius, is looking at changing five ministers: Dainius Kreivys (Economy); Gediminas Kazlauskas (Environment); Raimundas Palaitis (Interior); Eligijus Masiulis (Transport); and Remigijus Vilkaitis (Culture).

At the tail end of 2009, Seimas speaker Irena Degutienė, who is also a member of the Conservative party, told public broadcaster Lietuvos televizija that a rearrangement of portfolios was likely to be on the cards in January.

“I see certain limitations in the government. And the prime minister sees them too,” Degutienė said in the interview with LTV. “In the New Year, we will hold a meeting to decide these questions.”

She said certain ministers were ineffective and the subject of too much criticism, but she did not say which ones.

from Alfa.lt

The head of Lithuania’s intelligence agency, the Department of State Security, stepped down on Monday 14 December.

Povilas Malakauskas, Lithuania’s intelligence chief for the past two and a half years, tendered his resignation during a morning meeting with President Dalia Grybauskaitė, a presidential spokesman said.

The president’s office gave no explanation for Malakauskas’ decision.

An official with the Department of State Security said Malakauskas had resigned for personal reasons, but did not explain further.

The head of the Seimas’ National Security and Defence Committee told Alfa.lt that Malakauskas’ departure could be related to a parliamentary probe into allegations that Lithuania hosted a secret CIA prison in 2004-2005.

Speaking to journalists later in the day, Anušauskas said that when his committee had first begun looking into the CIA prison allegations, before the launch of the formal inquiry, Malakauskas had been “ambiguous” in his answers.

Anušauskas also suggested that a formal inquiry would not have been needed if Malakauskas had been more forthright at the time. Anušauskas did not give any precise details about the questions asked of Malakauskas or the nature of the intelligence chief’s answers.

“If the responses we had requested had been presented to us on time and more thoroughly, there probably would have been no need to hold an investigation,” Anušauskas said.

Defence Minister Rasa Juknevičienė welcomed Malakauskas’ resignation.

“It was probably the right decision,” Juknevičienė told Alfa.lt. “The problems at the Department of State Security have not been resolved. It remains a politicized organisation that does not engender the public’s confidence. Malakauskas has been unable to change this in the past two years.”

Its critics say the agency, known in Lithuania by its acronym VSD, spends too much time watching Lithuanians, including politicians, journalists and civil society groups, instead of hunting for spies, and that it operates with insufficient public oversight.

The VSD’s deputy director quit the scandal-plagued agency in August following weeks of intense media scrutiny.

The mysterious death three years ago of a senior VSD officer while on a posting in Belarus is still a frequent topic of public debate.

Although the death of Vytautas Pociūnas was officially ruled an accident, many on the political right believe the true circumstances of his demise were covered up and that he was a victim in settling scores between opposing factions in Lithuania’s intelligence community.

Vilnius, Dec 14 (ELTA) - The chairman of the board of the State Social Insurance Fund (SoDra), Mindaugas Mikaila, has resigned.

On Monday morning, ELTA learned from the Social Ministry that Mikaila submitted his resignation letter last week.

“I cannot confirm the fact that he resigned but I can say that we have received a resignation letter,” said adviser to the social minister Juventa Mudėnienė

\The Ministry intends to submit more details on the resignation of the SoDra head later.
Mikaila himself so far has refrained from any comments.

Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius evaluated the future changes in SoDra favorably.
“So far I do not know any reasons as I have not seen the resignation letter. We will consider his application and we will probably satisfy it. Such changes seem to be beneficial. We need constructive thoughts and ideas. I think that we will meet the New Year in the SoDra system with good changes,” Kubilius told journalists after the Government’s meeting on Monday.

The prime minister said that he did not know who could replace Mikaila, but he assured that an appropriate person would surely be found.

• Photo Dž. G. Barysaitė

While on a working visit to Ukraine, President of the Republic of Lithuania Dalia Grybauskaitė has underlined that Ukraine might become a very important energy partner for Lithuania and for the whole European Union but only transparent and open relations will lead to success in this area.

At the session of the Council of Presidents of Lithuania and Ukraine, the delegations of the countries discussed energy issues and the possibilities to supply Ukrainian electricity to Lithuania after closure of the Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant.

Lithuanian and Ukrainian leaders underlined the need to ensure transparency of energy supply.
“Even before the actual trade started, Lithuania has already been approached by various intermediaries seeking to act on behalf of Ukraine. Such a path paved with old methods is not viable in Europe,” President Dalia Grybauskaitė said.

In response to observations made by the President of Lithuania, Ukraine’s President Viktor Yushchenko assured publicly in the press conference that every necessary measure will be taken to make sure that agreements between Ukraine and Lithuania on energy supply involved no intermediaries.

Vilnius, Nov 27 (ELTA) - Seimas Speaker Irena Degutienė proposed that Seimas members who used funds allocated for parliamentary activities for other purposes, and thus violated the law on the adjustment of public and private interests in the public service, would return the money to the state budget from their own pockets.

“If it is determined that a member of the Seimas spends money allocated for parliamentary activities for other purposes or in non-compliance with the law on the adjustment of public and private interests in the public service, he redeems the money from his own funds,” proposed Irena Degutienė.

According to the Seimas speaker, such provision will help to ensure that the state budget funds are used transparently and rationally, in accordance with the purpose and the law.

At the initiative of President Dalia Grybauskaitė, the Seimas and the International Cultural Programmes Centre, a forum for creative society has been opened for the first time in Lithuania according to the Press Service of the President.

Addressing members of the arts, culture, educational, and business communities, who came together to discuss possible actions for using and streamlining the potential of creative individuals to build a modern state, President Grybauskaitė invited all of them - artists, scientists and entrepreneurs - to make a joint effort towards this purpose.

“Lithuania’s economic growth, its social well being, and the pride that its citizens have for their country will depend on our innovative ideas and our creative ability to translate them into reality,” the President said, placing a special emphasis on the importance of interaction
between culture, education, science, and business.

President Grybauskaitė pointed out that a creative person was the spark that drove Lithuania forward. Therefore, she said, we must seek ambitious goals, we must think and act as future disseminators of creative ideas not only in Europe, but also worldwide.

President Dalia Grybauskaitė met with her Polish counterpart Lech Kaczynski.

In Warsaw, the two Presidents discussed important energy-related issues: the course of building an electricity bridge connecting Lithuania and Poland, and the problems of secure energy supply in Europe.

“Lithuania is prepared to co-operate closely with Poland in implementing the electricity
bridge project, and will seek to secure financing for this project from the European Commission within the new EU Financial Perspective 2007- 2013,” President Dalia Grybauskaitė underlined.

The Presidents also agreed to co-patron events scheduled in the coming year to commemorate the 600th anniversary of the žalgiris Battle, announced the Press Service of the President.

Lithuania will chair the Fourteenth Session of the Conference of the States Parties
to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) from 30 November 2009 to 1 December
2010.

The Session of the Conference of the States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention, also called the Conference of the States Parties, is the main decision-making institution
that joins delegates of 188 States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention.

Lithuania, as the chair of the Conference of the States Parties, will play an important political and coordinating role until the next Conference of the States Parties in the end of 2010. Lithuania’s Permanent Representative to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons is Lithuania’s Ambassador to the Netherlands Vaidotas Verba.

Vilnius, Nov 16 (ELTA) - A survey carried out in October shows that Lithuanian residents viewed President Dalia Grybauskaitė most favorably (89% of respondents).

Seimas Speaker Irena Degutienė, who made the largest jump in the September ratings, remained in second place with an approval rating of 63%. Ex-president Valdas Adamkus received 56% of votes. MEP Vilija Blinkevičiūtė was gathered 51%. These four public figures are the only ones that were favorably viewed by over a half of the respondents.

According to a poll conducted by Baltijos Tyrimai between 26 October – 6 November, the respondents evaluated Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius, leader of the Conservatives, most negatively. An astonishing 82% expressed an unfavourable attitude towards the prime minister.
A large number (78%) of the respondents were similarly against former Seimas Speaker Arūnas Valinskas, former Prime Minister Social Democrat Gediminas Kirkilas (74%), MEP Vytautas Landsbergis (74%), Kazimira Prunskienė (64%), who initiated the establishment of a new party, and MP Liberal Centrist Artūras Zuokas (63%).

The highest jumps in approval were for Degutienė, who improved by 34%, Viktoras Uspaskich was up 8%, and the greatest decrease was for Prime Minister Kubilius who dropped 8%.

In conformity with the Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania, the Law on Citizenship
of the Republic of Lithuania, and the rulings of the Lithuanian Constitutional Court of 30 December 2003 and of 13 November 2006, and taking into account the advice of the Citizenship Commission as well as the relevant circumstances and documents submitted, President Dalia Grybauskaitė has decided not to grant Lithuanian citizenship by way of exception to Katherine Leigh Copely, a national of the United States of America.

The Citizenship Commission held two sittings (26 March 2009 and 22 October 2009) to consider whetheror not Copely met the requirements for Lithuanian citizenship set out in the Law on Citizenship. Both times the Commission adopted a negative decisions and advised the President to refuse Lithuanian citizenship to Katherine Leigh Copely, stated the Press Service of the President.

Katherine Leigh Copely is the partner of Deividas Stagniūnas. They have formed a successful skating pair and were hoping to represent Lithuania at the Vancouver Winter Olympics.The duo took 14th place in the 2009 World Championships which qualified them for the Vancouver Olympics, and are widely acknowledged as having great potential.

Vilnius, July 10 (ELTA) - According to the data of the Finance Ministry, a total of 7.409 billion litas (2.15 billion euros) was planned into the state budget over the first six months of this year instead of the projected 7.602 billion litas (2.2 billion euros). A total of 193.8 million litas (56.12 million euros) or 2.5% less than planned was collected into the budget over January-June.

Over the first six months of this year, a total of 10.411 billion litas (3 billion euros) was collected into the state budget together with the assistance finances from the EU and other foreign countries. The EU assistance totaled 3.28 billion litas (949.73 million euros).

It is foreseen to collect 22.88 billion litas (6.62 billion euros) in revenues in the ratified state budget plan for 2009. 6.417 billion litas (1.86 billion euros) out of this sum is the assistance finances from the EU and other countries.

The drafted revised law on the budget foresees that the state budget revenues this year including the EU assistance will total 20.926 billion litas (6.06 billion euros), 1.954 billion litas (565.79 million euros) less than was ratified in the plan for 2009.

From now on no public information to be given on hostages - Usackas

Klaipeda, Aug 6 (ELTA) - The heads of the Foreign Ministry and Limarko Laivininkystes Kompanija, who met in Klaipeda on Thursday, encouraged the public and politicians to speak less about this accident.

Vygaudas Usackas and Vytautas Lygnugaris confirmed once again that the Lithuanians held hostage are healthy and alive, however, they did not reveal whether they had received the requirements of the captors and did not comment on any specific details of this accident, ve.lt reports.

“We are cooperating with various organizations, everyone is doing their work. I would like to encourage everyone, including politicians, not to speak about the things they do not know about, because the situation is very serious. I can only say that at the moment the captured Lithuanians are healthy and alive, everything is being done to release them - we are striving for that only via diplomatic channels,” said Usackas, who is coordinating the interdepartmental group.

Limarko head also abstained from further comments - allegedly this is being done upon the request of the relatives of the captured seamen.

“We have told them the same things that we did to you. Relatives are worried but they are acting calmly because they also realize the seriousness of this situation. One should not trigger them with comments or irresponsible contemplations,” Lygnugaris told journalists on Thursday.

According to him, the captured persons are 50-60 years of age.

“From now on there will be no public information. This harms,” Usackas said finishing the news conference.

Vilnius, July 8 (ELTA) - The Lithuanian residents trust president-elect Dalia Grybauskaite most. 45% of respondents expressed trust in her.

Outgoing President Valdas Adamkus and Social Democratic leader Algirdas Butkevicius took second and third places, however, the gap between them and Grybauskaite is considerable. 8% of respondents mentioned each of them.

The public opinion poll conducted by market research and public opinion company Baltijos Tyrimai at the end of May, asked respondents to name those Lithuanian public gures whom they trusted most. Participants mentioned names themselves without any preliminary.
In May, respondents mentioned a total of 64 public figures. In April, 78 names were mentioned.

Rolandas Paksas, leader of the political party Order and Justice; Viktor Uspaskich, leader of the Labor Party, and new MEP Vilija Blinkeviciute were also mentioned among top ten most trusted politicians. They were trusted by 5% of respondents each.

Former president Algirdas Brazauskas; Valentinas Mazuronis, deputy chairman of the political party Order and Justice; Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius and Gitanas Nauseda, advisor to the president of SEB Bank, got 3% of trust votes each.

As of the beginning of the year, Grybauskaite, Butkevicius, Mazuronis and Loreta Grauziniene, deputy chairwoman of the Labor Party, improved their ratings most.

One fifth - 19% - of the respondents claimed that they did not trust any politicians or did not answer the question.

Vilnius, July 7 (ELTA) - Outgoing President Valdas Adamkus claims that he is transferring his post to president-elect Dalia Grybauskaite in good conscience and promises to help as much as he can if his assistance is needed in the future.

Having finished his term of of fice, Adamkus intends to go to Nida for a holiday for at least a week, and later to participate in public activities.

“I was working according to my conscience, thinking about what is best. Sometimes I would not answer all your (journalists - ELTA) questions, but I have never lied you,” the outgoing head of state told media representatives on Tuesday.

Vilnius, July 12 (ELTA) - New head of state Dalia Grybauskaite invites Lithuania to unite and build the state from the foundation. She also spoke in support of direct elections of mayors and community elders and highlighted the importance of responsible choice.

“My Dear Fellow People! As I travelled across Lithuania, I saw a lot of hatred and self-destruction. I saw a huge divide between poverty and wealth. Lithuania is in discord. I INVITE LITHUANIA TO MAKE PEACE WITH ITSELF.

We are one people. We are one nation. It is only working together that we will overcome the economic, political and moral downturn in Lithuania,” Grybauskaite underlined addressing the nation during the Presidential Palace takeover ceremony.

“Let us start from the foundation - the local government. Let us elect directly mayors and community elders, let us make local politicians account to their constituents. But let us not follow mistaken paths. If we vote for empty promises or guided by frustration, if we can be bought or can bribe others, democracy will become a mere parody of itself,” Grybauskaite claimed.

The president said that she was determined to dedicate her utmost efforts to the well-being of the people of Lithuania and not to rule, but to serve the people.

“Power is not for glory or money. POLITICS IS NOT A TYPE OF BUSINESS. IT IS A CALLING! I am here not to rule, but to serve the people. This opportunity to make life better and Lithuania stronger is my greatest reward and my ultimate goal,” Grybauskaite said.
The head of state underlined that the love for freedom and democracy is rooted in our hearts. And it is in our hearts that a nation is born.

“Was one thousand years enough for us to understand what kind of state we wish to be and what we actually are?” she questioned rhetorically.

Grybauskaite, who received a huge electors’ mandate, has become the first female host of the Presidential Palace. Up till now it was only men serving as the heads of state at all times.
A lot of people came to welcome the new president near her new place of service. Vilnius Simonas Daukantas’s square was full. The solemn ceremony also witnessed a protest, it was possible to see a placard “LEO LT - no” in the crowd.

Inaugurated President Grybauskaite and Valdas Adamkus, who has just finished his service as a president, were welcomed with applause.

Adamkus transferred the great Lithuanian state’s seal of office and Lithuania’s Constitution to the young head of state.

President Adamkus’s flag was solemnly lowered at the ceremony. It was presented to the president who has just finished his service.

Adamkus shook hands with high-ranking persons in the square including Seimas Speaker Arunas Valinskas, members of the Government, Constitutional Court chairman Kestutis Lapinskas, former president Algirdas Brazauskas, prof. Vytautas Landsbergis, first head of the restored independent s tate, foreign diplomats and MEPs.

Afterwards, Adamkus waved to the people and left. The flag of President Grybauskaite was hoisted solemnly.

Vilnius/Stockholm, July 16 (ELTA) - While on a working visit to the Kingdom of Sweden, President of the Republic of Lithuania Dalia Grybauskaite met with Sweden’s Speaker of Parliament Per Westerberg and later with Sweden’s Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt.

The president underlined that Sweden’s turn to hold the EU presidency fell on a particularly difficult period. According to the president, the Swedish presidency priorities mirrored very closely Lithuanian interests too. During the meetings, Sweden’s and Lithuania’s positions in addressing the financial crisis, and energy and environmental matters were agreed upon once again.

According to the president, the meetings with the leaders of Sweden’s Parliament and Government left her no doubt that Sweden’s interest in our energy sector was but growing.
“No one talks of this issue as of a purely commercial one anymore, but as of a political commitment to start implementing joint energy projects. We were assured by the Swedish Parliament that most political parties were supporting the construction of the NordBalt electricity bridge, for the financing of which Lithuania, Latvia and Sweden submitted a joint application to the European Commission yesterday. Sweden is ready to invest in this project and help the Baltic region to seek energy independence.”

Thanking Sweden for support, which, according to President Grybauskaite, had set this particularly important project into motion, the president invited Sweden to participate also in the project of construction of the new Ignalina nuclear power plant.

The president informed Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt of Lithuania’s intention to pursue demonopolisation of the electricity market, and while the Ignalina nuclear power plant would be underway, to concentrate on the development of alternative energy recourses. The president noted that Sweden’s experience in this field would be a great help.

The prime minister of Sweden reassured that energy security was important to the whole Baltic Sea region, and shared the view expressed by President Dalia Grybauskaite that a really functioning energy market must be created by joint efforts in the Baltic Sea region. He also expressed support to Lithuania’s aspirations to connect to the Nordic electricity grid as soon as possible.

The president has departed from Sweden to Latvia where she will meet with Latvia’s President Valdis Zatlers today and with Latvia’s Speaker of Parliament Gundars Daudze and Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis on Friday.

Vilnius, July 2 (ELTA) - Lithuanian President Valdas Adamkus received a letter from the U.S. President Barack Obama. In the letter, President Obama congratulates President Adamkus and all people of Lithuania on the Millennium.

“This is an auspicious year for your nation. In addition to commemorating the 1000th anniversary of the first written reference to Lithuania, you are celebrating the selection of Vilnius as the European Union’s 2009 Capital of Culture. Both events reflect not only Lithuania’s long and rich history, but also the extraordinary transformation your country has enjoyed since reaffirming its freedom nearly 20 years ago,” President Obama writes in the letter.

U.S. President also writes that the United States is proud to count Lithuania among its closest friends and most reliable allies.

“We look forward to our continued partnership in promoting peace, democracy, and respect for human rights worldwide. I applaud Lithuania and its achievements, and send my best wishes as you and the Lithuanian people celebrate an important milestone in your nation’s history,” the U.S. leader writes.

Vilnius, June 11 (ELTA) - Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius confirmed that British bank Barclays is getting ready to invest in Lithuania.

“It seems that an agreement with one of the biggest world banks Barclays on the establishment of its service center in Lithuania may be successfully signed. This is highly important. It would be a computer service center,” Kubilius said at traditional interview with Ziniu Radijas on Thursday.

According to the prime minister, this is one of the main steps in attempts to attract other foreign investments into the country. It is expected that an agreement will be signed with the Brits next week. Purportedly this is not only an investment of several hundred million litas, but also several hundred jobs for high technology specialists. Moreover, this would be a good sign for other foreign investors.

Barclays intends to invest about Euro 50 million (over Lt170 million) into a computer service center in Vilnius. It is expected to create about 100 jobs there at first, and by the end of the year this figure is

Vilnius, June 10 (ELTA) - The representatives of institutions monitoring the human rights situation are worried - situation in this area is constantly deteriorating since joining the EU.
It is pointed out that the number of ethnic and racial intolerance as well as intolerance to sexual minorities is growing and the situation of women, children and disabled people is worsening.

“Since the times when we joined everything that we wanted to join we are no longer feeling the pressure of the outside,” Henrikas Mickevicius, head of the Human Rights Monitoring Institute (ZTSI), names one of the main causes of the deterioration of human rights condition.

According to the expert, although the situation is deteriorating, people do not begin defending their rights in a more active way. It is noted that trust in state institutions is decreasing.

“Three quarters of those who think that their rights were infringed did not address anywhere. 80% of them did not address because they thought that this would not have helped. 40% of those who did complain sought help in non-governmental organizations and not in state institutions,” Mickevicius said.

According to him, such factors as emigration and economic development depend on efficient human rights protection.

According to the survey conducted by Vytautas Magnus University many emigrants do not return to their homeland not only due to economic reasons, but also because they feel more secure and respected abroad than in their own country.

According to Margarita Jankauskaite, project head of the Equal Opportunities Development Center, although the second state anti-discrimination programme has been ratified, it is hard to expect any progress, because complex attitude to discrimination is lacking.

Vilnius, July 16 (ELTA) - The Government is not satisfied with the incumbent banks’ activities and the fact that the loan bag has been closed, however, it does not have any influence instruments to change this situation. Acting Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius stated this at the Thursday Government hour at the Seimas.

“The only thing which we can do is to strengthen trust in the Government’s activities on the international markets. If borrowing becomes cheaper on international markets, it will become cheaper in the country too,” Kubilius said.

According to the acting prime minister, the Government is actively speaking with banks and trying to make pressure for borrowing to become cheaper, however, it cannot make any real influence.

“We are talking, expressing our remarks. We do not hold big instruments, however, we see the situation and attract the attention of the governments of those countries where the banks are operating to it. I believe that by autumn we will have the result of these discussions and new proposals,” the acting prime minister explained.

According to him, first of all the authority itself should seek solutions and not press banks. “That is why we are coming to you with reduced budget for the third time, because nobody will propose another variant,” Kubilius told MPs.

Vilnius, July 8 (ELTA) - Kazimira Danute Prunskiene, former chairwoman of the National Farmers’ Union, now honorary chairwoman of this party, is withdrawing from the party entirely. She will neither be a honorary chairwoman nor a member of the party. Prunskiene, considered a symbol of the National Farmers, is getting ready to establish a new centrist party.

Prunskiene has been disappointed by the rude atmosphere in the party and the party’s hypocrisy towards electors, as well as the behavior of incumbent party chairman Ramunas Karbauskis.

“The incumbent party leader, before becoming one, was making influence with his actions in order for the party not to get into the Seimas. This has considerably weakened the party’s position, which is also confirmed by the low amount of votes collected in the elections into the European Parliament (about 10,000 votes),” writes Prunskiene in her statement.

She intends to inform the public about her intention to establish a new party next week.
The new party is to be of centrist views, however, it will not be oriented towards only one group of society, the way it happened with the National Farmers’ Union.