Interfax's Interview

Mr. President, how would you assess Russian-Lithuanian relations in 2006? What important events are expected to take place in bilateral contacts in 2007?
 Relations between Russia and Lithuania are considered as relatively problem-free, as compared with Russia’s relations with the other Baltic countries. Do you agree?

 Neighboring countries always have a special relationship. It is inevitable if you live side-by-side. In my opinion, what counts most is to continue to respect each other and preserve our open, friendly and equal dialogue.
 As far as ties between Lithuania and Russia are concerned, I view them as constructive, pragmatic and businesslike relations of two neighboring countries. We have joined forces to find mutually beneficial solutions to a number of issues. We are successfully operating the mechanism for the transit of Russian passengers via the territory of Lithuania. We have signed border and readmission accords and begun demarcating our border. Our business cooperation has been successful. I have no doubt that we will have plenty to do next year to further broaden Lithuanian-Russian relations in the areas of politics, the economy, energy and culture. For instance, we are facing a large number of practical projects related to border zones and tourism. Environmental protection initiatives will be put into effect.

 Are issues of history standing in the way of the two countries’ dialogue? I mean, is the Lithuanian government planning to follow parliament’s example and to officially raise the issue of compensation for the so-called “Soviet occupation”?

 At a referendum in 1992, citizens of Lithuania voted in favor of seeking such compensation. This is the will of the Lithuanian people. I hope Russia respects that. But this issue should not stand in the way of the successful development of Lithuanian-Russian relations.
 In fact, the most important thing is to recognize the truth, rather than speak about money. We are only seeking recognition of what happened. The sooner we prove able to look into the eyes of history and recognize these historical facts, the quicker our wounds will heal. And it will allow us to look into the future without hesitation and to follow the path of cooperation calmly, safety and stably.  Disagreements and injustice are unavoidable in the history of most neighboring countries. It is important to admit mistakes in time and to move on. Of course, comprehending history and recognizing the historical truth is a lengthy process. It may even be very complicated. But I hope that our two peoples are ready for it.

 Is Vilnius interested in developing energy dialogue with Russia and on what conditions? Could you please comment on the Lithuanian authorities’ attitude to the North European Gas Pipeline project?
 
 Today’s energy dialogue between Lithuania and Russia is very vigorous. We import natural gas and oil from Russia. Without a doubt, we are interested in furthering this dialogue between the supplier and consumer as equal partners. Moreover, our partners in the European Union are also interested in promoting relations with Russia in the energy sector. I hope that Russia and the European Union will manage to reach an agreement in the near future to continue broadening their dialogue. And the aforementioned relations will benefit all the parties involved.
 As far as the North European Gas Pipeline is concerned, Lithuania continues to have plenty of questions about the environmental safety of the aforementioned high-cost project. We are also concerned about the presence of World War II-era chemical weapons on the bed of the Baltic Sea. If one touches them, it may entail unpredictable and increasingly lamentable consequences. The project provokes serious doubts regarding its effect on the environment. It is a high-cost alternative to an over-ground gas pipeline. That is why it is hard to comprehend its logic.

 How would you assess the situation with oil supplies from Russia to Lithuania, including deliveries via the Druzhba oil pipeline? Is it true that Lithuania’s plans to begin repairing the Kaliningrad railway and, consequently, restricting Russia’s transit are a kind of response to repairs on the Druzhba oil pipeline initiated by Russia? Vilnius believes that Russia’s steps resulted in reducing oil deliveries to the Mazeikiu refinery.

 As far as oil supplies from Russia to Lithuania are concerned, there are more questions than answers to them in this situation. Following the suspension of oil deliveries via the Druzhba oil pipeline (summer 2006 - Interfax), it took Lithuania some time to receive any official explanation. But when we learnt about the repairs, both Lithuania and the European Commission offered their technical assistance in eradicating the cause of the accident and fixing the pipeline. But no answers have been provided. Indeed, the situation is not pleasant. Although, on the other hand, we are continuing to receive Russian oil, which is being delivered by tankers. As for railway repairs, I have already said more than once that the railway will be repaired, should it prove necessary. But it has absolutely nothing to do with oil exports from Russia. In this situation, we need mutual trust, reliability and transparency. We need it both as business partners and as neighbors and participants in a political dialogue.

 It has been reported that Lithuania will shut down the Ignalina nuclear power plant in 2009 under its obligations to the EU. Do you think Russia will have an opportunity to contribute to the construction of a new advanced reactor in Lithuania, or will Lithuania prefer Western companies?

 Indeed, Lithuania, having become member of the EU, pledged to shut down its nuclear power plant. Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia have agreed to build a new, state-of-the-art and safe nuclear reactor in Lithuania. We have also invited Poland to join the project. Our possibilities have already been analyzed. It is clear that it is a lucrative project. All companies will be allowed to bid in a tender to build a reactor on equal terms. However, we know nothing about such plans of Russian companies yet.

 Will the transit rules for passengers traveling between the Kaliningrad region and the rest of Russia change after Lithuania joins the Schengen agreements? Is Vilnius committed to resolving outstanding issues related to cargo and military transit?

 Lithuania’s aim is to keep the terms for the transit of Russian citizens via Lithuanian territory intact when it joins the Schengen space. At least, they should not become more complicated. Lithuania worked actively to create transit arrangements that are as simple as possible and attractive for Russian citizens. Today employees of our consulates and border guard services guarantee the continuous operations of the aforementioned arrangements. Lithuania is interested both in successful business cooperation with Russia, active contacts between our peoples and the success and prosperity of the Kaliningrad region.

 Do you think that the series of “spy” scandals between Moscow and Vilnius in the past few years is unhelpful in strengthening the two countries’ mutual understanding and dialogue?

 I would not like individual incidents and misunderstandings to mar the general atmosphere of relations. We hope the fly-in-the-ointment proverb does not apply to Lithuanian-Russian relations. My wish is that this proverbial “fly” should not put a strain on our relations, which are governed by mutual respect, mutual understanding and common democratic values.  

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