Lithuanian MFA stresses importance of Georgia

2009-07-27
TBT staff in cooperation with the Lithuanian Minsitry of Foreign Affairs

BRUSSELS- Lithuanian Minster of Foreign Affairs Vygaudas Usackas discussed Georgia and it's neighbors on July 27 in Brusselswith EU foreign ministers.

Usackas emphasized the importance of the fact that the international community had to dedicate a lot of attention to the problems of Georgia.

"When the missions of the United Nations and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) were unfortunately disrupted in Georgia, the role of the EU increased significantly," said Usackas.

According to Minister V.UÅ¡ackas, the decision of the EU's General Affairs and External Relations Council to extend the mission in Georgia for another twelve months is very important. In Minister's words, it is necessary to aim at having the mission allowed in South Ossetiaand Abkhazia.

The Minister suggested discussing the issue of joining the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia by the third countries 's the U.S.A.and others - in the nearest future and an extension of the mission mandate, including the spheres that were covered by the UN and the OSCE before.

Minister Usackas encouraged continuing to strengthen the EU-Georgia relations, and to conclude the negotiations regarding the visa regime facilitation and readmission agreements as soon as possible, as well as to provide a mandate for the negotiations on free trade and an association agreement.