Foreign Minister Usackas calls for stricter energy measures

VILNIUS-In light of the gas crisis in eastern Europe, Minister of Foreign AffairsVygaudas Usackas told EU foreign ministers that they need to establish moreboundaries and regulations for Russian energy.

"Taking into account the recent events in the gas sector, establishinglegally binding provisions covering the key principles of the Energy Charterwould be the main tangible result of this New Agreement for the EU," Usackassaid in his speech to the ministers.  

In a step of solidarity with other former Soviet republics, Usackas calledfor cooperation with Georgiain terms of energy partnerships.

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"In this area, negotiations with Ukraine are the first steprequiring particular attention. Negotiations with other Eastern partners, includingGeorgia,should follow," he said.

Usackas also suggested a 13 percent raise in import taxes.

"I would like to mention an example of the law passed by the Parliament ofUkraine, introducing additional thirteen per cent import duties, and, thus,violating Ukraine'sinternational obligations," Usackas said.