Paulauskas emphasizes EU unity

  • 2005-08-24
  • By TBT staff
VILNIUS - Parliamentary Speaker Arturas Paulauskas said the European Union lacked unity in relations with Russia, adding that Lithuania could serve as an example for the Belarusian people.

In an interview with Ziniu Radijas radio on Aug. 24, Paulauskas expressed hope that relations between Poland and Lithuania would not be soiled by the recent demolition of a monument commemorating Polish veterans in Varena.

The parliamentary speaker noted that Lithuania was interested in "maintaining good relations with Russia as a large country," but Moscow must realize that it should communicate with Lithuania and other neighbors as with "equal partners," the Baltic News Service reported.

Paulauskas expressed regret over EU members' struggle to ensure a joint position in relations with Russia.

On Aug. 20, Poland's Foreign Ministry officially asked Lithuania to rebuild a four-meter concrete obelisk dedicated to soldiers killed in the Polish-Lithuanian battles that followed WWI. Varena District Mayor Vidas Mikalauskas has already announced plans to re-establish the memorial.