Minister of Foreign Affairs P.Vaitiekūnas was positive about the fact that Russia had partly implemented its obligations and withdrew its troops up to the territories of South Ossetia and Abkhazia regions.

However, the Minister noted that it was necessary to continue demanding that Russia fully implemented the agreement of 12 August and withdrew its military to the positions that it held before 7 August.

Minister P.Vaitiekūnas reminded that the extraordinary European Council which took place on 1 September was very clear about the withdrawal of Russian military to the pre-conflict positions. Therefore, according to him, at the moment Russia was only taking first steps in the process of withdrawal of its military forces.

Head of Lithuania’s diplomacy stressed that currently it would be difficult to talk about further perspective of EU and Russia relations as if nothing had happened.

“For the time being we are still far from returning to normal, everyday state of relations with Russia”, Minister P.Vaitiekūnas said.

In Luxembourg, the ministers also discussed preparations for the European Council meeting scheduled for 15-16 October. Having presented the energy security situation of Lithuania, Minister P.Vaitiekūnas suggested that the European Council invites the European Commission to evaluate the situation of Lithuania after the closure of Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant. Head of Lithuania’s diplomacy also suggested having a discussion on the issue at the European Council meeting planned for 11-12 December.

The EU foreign ministers adopted conclusions on co-operation with Moldova. The conclusions note that the EU was ready to negotiate a new agreement with Moldova soon. The EU also expressed support for the “5 + 2” format for the negotiations on Transnistria (the format includes Moldova, Transnistria, Ukraine, Russia, OSCE and observers from the EU and  the U.S.A.).