Tallinn - The presidents of the three Baltic states of
Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania met near the Estonian capital, Tallinn,
Tuesday to discuss relations with Russia among other topics.
In the picturesque, snowbound surroundings of Sausti Manor,
President Valdis Zatlers of Latvia and Valdas Adamkus of Lithuania
were hosted by their Estonian counterpart, Toomas Hendrik Ilves.
After the meeting the three presidents told journalists that their
countries should pursue pragmatic relations with Russia via their
memberships of the European Union and NATO.
All three Baltic republics have had difficult relations with
Russia recently and have been vocal in criticising the Kremlin over
such issues as the August war in Geogia, the proposed Nord Stream gas
pipeline and Russian plans to station missiles in its Kaliningrad
enclave on the Baltic Sea.
President Ilves said it was essential for the EU and NATO to
continue dialogue with Moscow, but admitted that it was difficult to
identify common values with Russia at present.
Ilves also urged the EU to do more to encourage countries
including Georgia, Ukraine and Moldova to put their faith in
democracy and the rule of law.
'A European Union that is interested in the spread of European
values and enlargement of the security zone cannot behave like an
arrogant teacher in this. It has to be a friend, an ally, an
encourager,' Ilves said.
Other topics discussed included the Baltic states' military and
aid commitments in Afghanistan, the global economic crisis and the
Baltics' future energy needs, including joint plans to build a new
nuclear power plant in Lithuania along with Poland.
A rare example of Baltic disunity in recent months has surrounded
rival plans from both Lithuania and Latvia to build a power link or
'energy bridge' across the Baltic to Sweden.
'I think this year we will finally know to which country the cable
from Sweden will be built,' said Adamkus, suggesting that the
European Commission will reach a conclusion on the subject by the end
of December.
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