G. Kirkilas: Latvia Supports Lithuanian Energy Security Initiatives
Energy security was the dominant theme during the meeting between Lithuanian Prime Minister Gediminas Kirkilas and Latvian Prime Minister Ivars Godmanis.
The Lithuanian Prime Minister emphasized the urgency of linking the Baltic and Nordic power grids and launching a common Baltic electricity market energy market. On the other hand, Gediminas Kirkilas was pleased to hear the Latvian Prime Minister promise to offer support for the modification arrangements of the closedown date of the Ignalina NPP.
In G. Kirkilas’ view, Lithuanian and Latvian discussions on the power interconnection with Sweden should not hamper the implementation of the project. Lithuania, G. Kirkilas says, is ready to build a power bridge: a feasibility study and enough funds are already available. I. Godmanis declared that Latvia would not object if Sweden approved the power bridge project with Lithuania. In I. Godmanis’ opinion, the implementation of the above project is urgently relevant not only to Lithuania, but also to Latvia and Estonia.
The meeting of both Prime Ministers also touched on the conflict between the FlyLAL-Lithuanian Airlines and Latvia’s AirBaltic. The Lithuanian Prime Minister thinks that the conflict of two airlines should be relegated to court and decided there without government intervention in this judicial process. Both Prime Ministers agreed to the creation of equal, fair and non-discriminatory conditions for competition, as defined in the national and EU legislation, but, at the same time, stressed that the conclusions of the commercial dispute should by no means exert an adverse effect on the development of Lithuanian-Latvian economic relationship. The Latvian Prime Minister also declared his support to the determination of Latvian AirBaltic to continue its activities in Lithuania.
While discussing the approaching European Council meeting to be held next week in Brussels, both Prime Ministers talked about the aspects of a deepening international financial crisis and EU-Russian relationship. Lithuanian and Latvian Prime Ministers agreed that the dialogue with Russia should be maintained, but, according to G. Kirkilas, all negotiations on the Partnership Accord with Russia could be renewed only if Russia withdrew its troops from Abkhazia and South Ossetia. The Lithuanian Prime Minister also puts forward a proposal to the European Council to discuss possibilities to offer EU help for the crisis-struck Iceland’s economy.