President Valdas Adamkus says that in the face of aggression against Georgia hasty calls are being made to change Lithuania’s defense strategy and return to its earlier conscription system.

“Lithuania is member of NATO and has no reason to doubt Article 5 of the Treaty which introduces the principle of collective defense in the event of an armed attack against any member of the Alliance,” Mr. Adamkus pointed out. “When seeking membership in NATO, we pledged to restructure and modernize our armed forces. This commitment must be respected since the principle of collective defense is at the very basis of Lithuania’s defense and national security policies.”

President Adamkus called on all political parties to restrain from making populist pre-election statements, such as urging to revert to the conscription system and stop the alleged disarmament of Lithuanian armed forces. Mr. Adamkus pointed out that society and its elected politicians had approved the transition to a professional army without much debating.

“We have to discuss, calmly and responsibly, the geopolitical situation which has emerged after Russia’s military attack against Georgia. When all circumstances are assessed and evaluated, the State Defense Council will be convened,” Mr. Adamkus said.

President Adamkus called on all political parties to rally and voice their united support to Georgia in its time of need. “We have a duty to bring Europe’s democratic forces together in their support to Georgia,” Mr. Adamkus said.