Leaders lay down mutual ambitions

  • 2001-02-15
  • Nick Coleman
RIGA - The prime ministers of the three Baltic states appeared relatively united last week following a meeting at which they discussed their countriesÕ strategic goals and future cooperation.

But Lithuanian Prime Minister Rolandas PaksasÕ comments on the closure of reactor No. 2 at the Ignalina nuclear power station confirmed that Lithuania has little chance of a making an early entry into the European Union.

Following the latest of their regular meetings on Feb. 9 the prime ministers of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania said they were working together to achieve their countriesÕ prime objectives: membership in NATO and the European Union. ÒNever before have the Baltic states cooperated so closely together,Ó said Estonian Prime Minister Mart Laar.

But customary differences in emphasis were still evident. Laar called for the word ÒBalticÓ to be used properly, to indicate all the countries of the Baltic Sea region - a more diplomatic echo of Estonian Foreign Minister Toomas Hendrik Ilves, who has repeatedly said Estonia is a Nordic, not a Baltic state.

Paksas then said that one countryÕs entry into NATO would be a success for all Ð an idea that has irritated many in Estonia and Latvia, thought by some to lag behind militarily.

Paksas gave no reassurance to those concerned at the reluctance of Lithuanian politicians to close reactor No. 2 at Ignalina.

ÒWith the help of the EU weÕll close reactor No. 1 in 2005, but the question of reactor No. 2 will only be addressed in 2004,Ó he said.

ÒThe anti-nuclear movement in Europe is slowing down. On my recent visit to Brussels no one made any comments about reactor No. 2, so closure is in the very long term.Ó

As PaksasÕ comments suggested, closure of the reactor is associated in Lithuania with dependence on Russian energy supplies. ÒWe wonÕt be dependent on the energy systems of another state,Ó he said.

Latvian Prime Minister Andris Berzins said a working group would be set up to find a solution to delays in ratification of a new sea border with Lithuania. The group would make recommendations after three weeks, he said.

Lithuania has ratified the border and is eager to begin oil exploration in the area, but LatviaÕs Parliament - under pressure from fishing groups - has yet to do so. The fishing groups want an agreement allowing them to fish in waters where they are accustomed to working - which would become Lithuanian territory.

Other subjects discussed were the establishment of a free energy market between the Baltic states and the development of a Via Baltica - a train service which would connect the three Baltic capitals with Warsaw.

A decision to completely shut down Ignalina is a precondition of LithuaniaÕs accession to the EU, as the head of the European CommissionÕs delegation to Lithuania, Michael Graham, confirmed.

ÒLithuaniaÕs energy strategy commits it to closing reactor No. 2 at some stage in the future, but having decided to be in the first wave of enlargement a decision in 2004 might be too late,Ó he said.