ANN interview with Kestutis Kudzmanas, Lithuania’s ambassador to Turkey, Iran and Pakistan

-- The upper house of Russian parliament has allowed President Putin to deploy troops in Ukraine. What’s your government’s take on that? 

Lithuania is deeply troubled by decision of the Russian Senate to authorize the deployment of Russian military forces to Ukraine. This decision being taken in absence of any international mandate and against the clearly expressed will of Ukrainian Government, it represents a blatant violation by Russia of international law as well as of sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. We underline the inadmissibility of the threat or use of force in international relations.

We call on the United Nations and other international organizations to duly evaluate this irresponsible provocation.

Once again do we reiterate our unwavering support to the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine.

-- What needs to be done to get out of the crisis? 

-- We call on all political forces in Ukraine as well as on all international stake-holders to exercise calm and restraint and to resolve all differences through political dialogue and consultation. In particular we underline the need for international mediation.

Lithuania resolutely condemns and protests the invasion and occupation by Russia of parts of the Ukrainian territory, and demands to stop the aggression immediately.

Lithuania calls on international community and institutions to stand united in support of Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and in defence of the fundamental principles of international law embodied in the UN Charter, Helsinki Final Act and other international instruments.

Russia’s action against Ukraine’s sovereignty dangerously escalates the situation and undermines peace and stability in the entire region. For that reason, together with its close ally Poland, Lithuania chose to initiate consultations on this issue in NATO under Article IV of the Washington Treaty.

Lithuania welcomes the Ukrainian Government’s decision to resume preparations for signature of the Association Agreement with the European Union, including the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area. Lithuania strongly supports such signature at the earliest opportunity and the soonest possible start of provisional application.

Furthermore, Lithuania calls on the EU Member States and institutions to develop a comprehensive assistance package for Ukraine that would encompass substantial financial assistance, specific project support, expert advice on reform process, humanitarian aid.

Lithuania supports acceleration of efforts both on the EU and Ukrainian sides in the ongoing implementation of the EU Visa Liberalisation Action Plan for Ukraine and speedy progress toward a visa-free regime for Ukrainian citizens’ short-term travel to the Schengen area.

Kamal Ali

ANN.Az