According to Minister P.Vaitiekūnas, in its efforts to create an efficient and long term strategy towards Russia the transatlantic community has to understand the path onto which Russia steps in the sphere of its internal policy and external relations.
On 3 November during an informal meeting of the European Union Foreign Ministers (Gymnich) in Marseille, Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Petras Vaitiekūnas and the EU heads of diplomacy discussed transatlantic cooperation between the EU and the U.S.A., with regard to their relations with Russia, efficient multilaterism and the situation in the Middle East.
According to Minister P.Vaitiekūnas, in its efforts to create an efficient and long term strategy towards Russia the transatlantic community has to understand the path onto which Russia steps in the sphere of its internal policy and external relations. Aggression against Georgia undermined the fundamental principles of the UN Charter, therefore and it cannot be held as an accident or be compared to inadequate use of force.
‘Under current circumstances, it would be too early to return to the usual terms of the EU’s cooperation with Russia,’ stated Foreign Minister.
Head of Lithuanian diplomacy also doubted whether it was necessary for the European Union to consider the proposal/suggestion of Russia’s President Dmitry Medvedev regarding a new European security system. Even though the present security system has its own limitations, it is, however, efficient.
‘Presently we have a clear, predictable and just security system, which is based on the EU, NATO, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, the Council of Europe and other organisations,’ said P.Vaitiekūnas.
Foreign Minister indicated that the strategic partnership between the EU and the U.S.A. was an element of vital importance in developing single strategic culture. The European and international security can be guaranteed only when the EU and the U.S.A. work together.
During the meeting, mutual interrelationship of the EU and Russia was reminded to the heads of diplomacy once again and it was emphasized that Russia’s isolation was not a goal. However, it is even more important to respect and abide by the principles that are embedded in the international agreements. This was also stressed on 1 November, in Riga, during the conference “United and Free Europe: 90 years of experience”.