Lithuanian PM calls for renewing bilateral "communication" with Russia

VILNIUS, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- Lithuania is the only EU country which does not hold any working contacts on political level with Russia, however, bilateral dialogue is needed, Lithuania's Prime Minister Saulius Skvernelis said on Wednesday on his Facebook profile.

In his message, the prime minister was explaining his position as regards Lithuania's relations with Russia which he originally expressed in an interview with a local TV broadcaster earlier on Sunday.

"Russia is not an easy neighbor. Nevertheless, communication channels are needed for effective policy, but there are no any in place at the moment," Skvernelis wrote in his Facebook message.

"Straight and principled talking" is better than silence, he noted.

"Russia better understands concrete works and actions aimed at strengthening safety of our country rather than policy of silence," he said.

According to Skvernelis, Ukraine remains to be Lithuania's "most important" partner and territorial integrity of the country must be restored.

The prime minister's remarks during Sunday's TV interview with broadcaster LNK sparked wide public debates in Lithuania.

In the interview, Skvernelis urged to foster "pragmatic" attitude towards Russia.

"We must maintain our strategic limits as regards situation in Ukraine and implementation of Minsk agreements, protection of human rights and respect to international law, however, contacts with neighboring countries must be maintained, and next year (2018) is favorable in terms of making such steps," he said. Enditem