Category: LT media roundup

April 30, 2014 Lithuanian media round-up

Today Lithuanian Government has decided to strengthen Lithuania’s participation in implementation of European Union Eastern Partnership program. The main focus would be directed for Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine in order to help these countries fulfil Association Agreement and reforms related with liberalization of visa regime. Lithuanian Government decided to send experts to institutions of Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova to help these Eastern Partnership countries to adapt EU directives to national law and share Lithuania’s experience of integrating into European Union. (Lithuanian Prime Minister Press Office, BNS, 15min.lt, unofficial translation)

On April 30 Artūras Paulauskas, head of Lithuanian Parliament National Security and Defense Committee, at Cybersecurity Conference said that ‘when situation in Ukraine is so tense and when the nature and means of military actions is changing so fast, the threats of cyber security need to be taken very seriously’. Also Artūras Paulauskas said that ‘we can see today, that not only military but also diplomatic, propaganda and cyber tools are used to destabilize selected targets, create chaos inside the countries, undermining effortless flow of information and financial exchange operations.’ (Lithuanian Parliament Press Office, BNS, alfa.lt, unofficial translation).

On April 30, Petras Vaitiekūnas, Lithuanian Ambassador to Ukraine, on ‘Actual hour’ radio programme said that ‘Russia continues creating panic and destruction in East Ukraine’. (News radio, 15min.lt)

On April 30 Arnoldas Pranckevičius, European Parliament President Adviser, on ‘Attention center’ the TV programme said this about Ukrainian conflict: ‘Today politics of EU goes in three directions: firstly – conflict de-escalation, secondly – Russia’s suppression and deterrence and third – support for Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia’. Also he approved the preparation of using the next stage of economic sanctions if Russia doesn’t stop escalating the conflict. (Lithuanian National TV, delfi.lt, 15 min.lt)

Economist Nourieli Roubini in an interview for Bloomberg TV said that ‘there is the beginning of a new cold war between the West and Russia’ (15min.lt). You can watch this interview here: http://www.bloomberg.com/video/roubini-ukraine-could-tip-europe-back-to-recession-NjbbICk3T6K0fAQOSzbRCg.html.

On May 4th in Vilnius will stage a bicycle event called ‘VeloMaidan’ dedicated to support Ukrainian people in the fight with Russian aggression. More information about event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1430375097213037/.

April 29, 2014 Lithuanian media round-up

On April 29 European Commission adopted a special support package for Ukraine worth 365 million euros. This package will help country’s transition and boost the role of civil society, promoting and monitoring democratic reforms and inclusive socio-economic development in Ukraine. Štefan Füle, Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy, stated: ‘The EU is not only closely watching events in Ukraine and expressing its readiness to support it, but is also delivering in deeds. With today’s assistance package we are encouraging and supporting the Ukrainian authorities to continue with reforms and in the process of inclusive national development. This package will also support the European Agenda for Reform, recently discussed with the Ukrainian authorities.‘ (EU Press Release, vz.lt). Read more here: http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-14-501_en.htm.

Lithuanian Military Intelligence on April 29 published her Annual Performance Report. In the Report is said that ‘conventional warfare probability in the Baltic Sea region is still fairly low’ (BNS, delfi.lt, lrytas.lt). Read more in Lithuania Tribune: http://www.lithuaniatribune.com/67420/risk-of-war-in-baltic-sea-region-fairly-low-lithuanian-military-intelligence-201467420/.

Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Linas Linkevičius on April 29 met with United States Secretary of State John Kerry to discuss issues related with better coordination of sanctions and other pressure instruments achieving the de-escalation of Ukrainian crisis. (delfi.lt)

The delegation of the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry led by the Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrius Krivas and representatives of Estonian and Latvian Foreign Ministries discussed the security situation in the region and relations with Ukraine and Russia on April 28 in Tallinn. The officials agreed to continue maintaining a strong position on non-recognition of the annexation of Crimea and seeking to reduce tensions in eastern Ukraine. Read more in Ministry of Foreign Affairs website: http://urm.lt/default/en/news/trilateral-political-consultations-with-estonia-and-latvia-discuss-support-for-ukraine-and-collective-security-issues.

The group of sports enthusiasts from Lithuania participated in international Kiev marathon on April 27. They ran various length distances thus expressing their support for united Ukraine. (Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania in Kiev information)

April 27-28, 2014 Lithuanian media round-up

Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Linas Linkevičius stressed the need for solidarity in solving Ukraine’s conflict at the Sedona Forum in the United States (lrytas.lt). Read more in Ministry of Foreign Affairs website: http://www.urm.lt/default/en/news/lithuanian-foreign-minister-stresses-the-need-for-solidarity-in-solving-ukraines-conflict-at-the-sedona-forum-in-the-united-states.

Today, the leader of opposition of Lithuanian Parliament Andrius Kubilius at press conference said that ‘the fairest civilized EU response to Vladimir Putin’s barbaric aggression in Ukraine would be Moldova, Ukraine, Georgia memberships’ perspective in European Union’. He also said: ‘We have to be grateful for Ukrainian people and current Ukrainian Government, because while they are quietly suffering Russia’s aggression, they manage to remain stoic and civilized at the same time letting the world see the real face of Putin’s regime’. (BNS)

Today, Deputy Speaker of the Lithuanian Parliament, Gediminas Kirkilas during Holocaust Remembrance Day’s speech said that ‘the memory of Holocaust has to become the sole motive for us aiming for peace, democracy and security in all Europe and assuring that neither another World War or massacre will become a reality, especially today while prevailing international circumstances in Eastern Europe contribute to an up-rise of Right-wing extremism and Neonacizm’. (BNS, lrytas.lt, Lithuanian Parliament Press Office, unofficial translation)

On April 27 in Vilnius Town Hall Lithuanian movement ‘For democracy.Ukraine’ received ‘The Life Prize’ for organizing Ukrainian support actions and protests against Russian aggression and their help organizing special medical mission to Maidan in Kiev. (bernadinai.lt)

On April 27 Vilnius Conservatives in Vilnius Town Hall Square organized support action for Ukrainian freedom and integrity. Photos from the event, click on a link below: http://on.fb.me/1fqvKsN.

April 26, 2014 Lithuanian media round-up

Lithuanian Parliamentarian Vytautas Landsbergis recently spoke at MyEP interactive conference about situation in Ukraine and Lithuania and Russia international relations. Read more in Lithuanian Tribune: http://www.lithuaniatribune.com/67253/landsbergis-sad-to-realize-that-yesterdays-friend-is-todays-enemy-201467253/.

Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaitė congratulated Group of 7 (G7) decision to intensify sanctions against Russia due to violations of Geneva agreement. (delfi.lt)

Latvia’s Minister of Defence Raimonds Vejonis on April 25 spoke with journalists from Reuters about situation in Baltic States in the context of Ukraine crisis. Raimonds Vejonis said that ‘there‘s danger that Russia might try to destabilize the situation in Baltic States‘ (15 min.lt). Read more in Reuters: http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/04/25/us-latvia-defence-idUSBREA3O1Q420140425

The Leader of the Crimean Tatars Mustafa Dzhemilev was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize. (15 min.lt)

April 25, 2014 Lithuanian media round-up

On April 24th Head of the EU Delegation to Russia Vygaudas Ušackas spoke with journalists about situation in Ukraine after Geneva agreement (voanews.com, delfi.lt). Read more and watch the video on Voice of America: http://www.voanews.com/content/ukraine-forcing-eu-to-rethink-russia-policy/1900809.html.

Due to the Ukraine crisis aviation company ‘Wizz Air’ has decided to temporarily suspend flights Vilnius-Kiev starting from April 30. It is currently unknown how long the flights will stay suspended for. (15 min)

Delegation of 50 Ukrainian medics of various specializations came to National Hospital of Panevėžys in order to gain experience at organizing health-care and physician tasks in Lithuania. This knowledge will help them start health-care reformation in Ukraine. ( lrt.lt)

 

April 24, 2014 Lithuanian media round-up

Today Lithuanian Parliament accepted the resolution on the situation in Ukraine, condemning any form of Russian aggression in Ukraine and stressing the importance of dialogue between the two parties. Both countries (Russia and Ukraine – ed.) were encouraged to create a dialogue and withstand actions such as promotion of separatism and blackmail in Energy Sector, which could complicate the search of an internationally lawful, peaceful and eligible solution. Resolution was supported by 49 members of parliament, 1 against and 8 abstained. Read more in Lithuania Tribune: http://www.lithuaniatribune.com/67139/seimas-resolution-demands-withdrawal-of-russian-troops-from-ukraine-201467139/.

Today Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaitė together with 8 other EU Presidents and Eastern Partnership states are participating in the anniversary event marking 5 years of Eastern Partnership in Prague. Swedish Deputy Prime Minister, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and European Commissioner Štefan Füle is also participating in the event. During this Summit the situation in Ukraine was discussed and it was decided to give 11 billion euros in support of implementation of important reforms in Ukraine over the next few years. Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaitė and Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Deshchytsia has also discussed questions regarding Ukrainian security and economic situation and stated: ‘The stronger the democracy in our East neighborhood the more secure we will become’. (Press Service of the President, unofficial translation)

Today Lithuanian Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Neris Germanas has met with with Alois Karl, the new Chairman of the German Bundestag’s Parliamentary Friendship Group for Relations with the Baltic States. They discussed situation in Ukraine, EU reaction to Russian actions and energy and security issues in the region. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs information, unofficial translation)

‘Vkontakte’ founder Pavel Durov is invited to come and stay in Lithuania with his team by Lithuanian startup community. Pavel refused to cooperate with Russian Government and disclose Russian opposition and Maidan activists data so he was forced to leave Russia. (ekonomika.lt, delfi.lt, 15min.lt)

The invitation you can read here: http://www.eddy.lt/2014/04/pavel-come-to-lithuania.html.

April 23, 2014 Lithuanian media round-up

Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaitė as well as the Presidents of other 8 EU and Eastern Partnership states will participate in the anniversary event  marking 5 years of Eastern Partnership on April 24 held in Prague. Sweden Deputy Prime Minister, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and European Commissioner Štefan Füle will also participate in the event. During this summit Leaders of EU and Eastern Partnership states are going to discuss how to ensure further Eastern Partnership Program continuity and efficiency considering newly emerging challenges for a region safety and stability. (Press Service of the President, unofficial translation)

On April 23 Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Linas Linkevičius  informed Lithuanian Parliament Foreign Affairs Committee members about four-party negotiations between EU, USA, Ukraine and Russia held in Geneva. Read more in Lithuania Tribune: http://www.lithuaniatribune.com/67078/lithuanias-formin-hard-to-talk-about-pursuance-of-geneva-agreements-201467078/.

After meeting with Ukrainian Minister of National Defence Colonel General Mikhail Koval Lithuanian Minister of National Defence Juozas Olekas stated that ‘Ukraine supports joint military brigade with Lithuania and Poland’. During the interview with Lithuanian National Radio journalist Agnė Skamarakaitė he also said that ‘Lithuania is in close cooperation with Ukraine even without any resolutions’. (BNS, bernardinai.lt, Lithuanian National Radio, Lithuania Tribune). Read more in Lithuania Tribune: http://www.lithuaniatribune.com/67051/olekas-ukraine-supports-joint-military-brigade-with-lithuania-poland-201467051/.

Today European Union opened its markets for Ukrainian commodities by applying one-side duty concessions. Reduced or completely eliminated Ukrainian commodities import to EU tariffs will be valid till this year November 1st or until the Association Agreement between the EU and Ukraine will be signed. (BNS, 15 min, delfi.lt, vz.lt)

On April 23 Lithuanian Foreign Affairs Ministry diplomats met with students from Lviv University in Vilnius. Diplomats presented the most important Eastern Partnership accents, Lithuania’s experience while integrating into European Union, experience in United Nations Security Council. Students and diplomats also discussed Lithuanian relations with her neighbors. Meeting initiator – nongovernmental organization ‘European Choice’. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs information, unofficial translation)

On April 29 the exhibition Frumušika Nova 2010 / 2014 dedicated to Ukrainian democracy support will be opened in Vilnius St. Johns street gallery. St. Johns street gallery brought together artists, who participated in plain-air Magnus Ducatus Artis – Frumušika Nova held in Ukraine in 2010. Staff of gallery encouraged artists to remember 2010 plein-air and ideas that were born during it. This exhibition is the first time the canvas by painters Linas Liandzbergis, Audrius Gražys and photos of photographers Arturas Valiauga, Vladas Braziūnas, Alis Balbierius created during the plain-air will be presented publicly. (BNS)

April 22, 2014 Lithuanian media round-up

lietuva-ukraina-veliavelesDear ukraine.popo.lt readers,

We are glad to announce our new daily column – Lithuanian media round-up. There we will try to briefly summarize main Lithuanian events related with Ukraine crisis and covered by our press.

Lithuanian Prime Minister Algirdas Butkevičius on April 22 presented his Annual Report. PM mentioned Ukraine crisis in his Annual Report presenting speech at Lithuanian Parliament. He said: ‘This year (2013-ed.) end showed that Europe transited to a new space of international relations and security. Former President of Ukraine decision not to sign association agreement with European Union caused in Kiev mass society protests, blood spill and change of Government. Unfortunately with that could not reconcile her neighbor Russia, which started war actions against Ukraine – annexed Crimea and continues to threaten Ukraine‘s integrity. We are observing a revival of opposition between democratic West world and fast growing radicalism in Russia‘. (PM Press Office, unofficial translation)

Lithuanian Parliament on April 22 have had to consider a resolution project due support to Ukraine. Unfortunately Members of Labor Party suggested to cross out this plenary session agenda point and that after voting was accepted. As said Valentinas Bukauskas – member of Labor Party – ‘this resolution project after Geneva agreement is outdated and Parliament need to prepare a new one’. (BNS, delfi.lt)

Lithuanian Minister of National Defense Juozas Olekas today in Kiev met with Ukrainian Minister of National Defence Colonel General Mikhail Koval. Read more in Lithuania Tribune: http://www.lithuaniatribune.com/67031/lithuanian-defence-minister-to-pledge-support-in-kiev-201467031/.

Lithuanian ambassador-at-large Vaidotas Verba appointed to lead Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Special Monitoring Mission group in Odessa. Read more in Lithuania Tribune: http://www.lithuaniatribune.com/67036/lithuanian-diplomat-leading-osce-smm-group-in-odessa-2-201467036/.