BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS

DATE:

20/01/2010

Usackas: If I am an obstacle, I will remove it by signing resignation letter

Currently, Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Vygaudas Usackas does not intend to resign and said he would make a final decision after the meeting of the ruling coalition on Wednesday evening.

"If I am an obstacle to harmonious activities of the Government, I will resign. (...) First of all, I would like to hear the opinion of the coalition, the party. I personally did not receive the answer to the question, why I lost the confidence; and this is very important for myself, my family and my colleagues abroad," Usackas said to the journalists. Foreign minister promised to make a decision that would ensure consistent and coherent foreign policy activities of the Government on Wednesday evening, LETA informs.

Usackas rejected the president's arguments on the recent policy with Belarus. He claimed he was for constructive relations with all neighboring countries.

"Already before Grybauskaite was elected President, I said that we needed to follow our own values and principles, however, on the other hand, we needed to talk with all neighbors, including Lukashenka, including our neighbor Russia. We worked hand in hand with the president and I am really surprised by such statements that do not meet the reality," said the minister.

However, Usackas acknowledged that he did not coordinate the note that was sent to Russia last week regarding the refusal of Prosecutor General's Office of Belarus to provide legal aid in the January 13 case.

Usackas also rejected the president's arguments that he was working for the purposes of self-promotion.

"I never sought self-promotion, I am just doing my job, I am doing my job as foreign minister and head of diplomacy, therefore, I am really surprised by such statements," said minister of foreign affairs.

Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite expressed no confidence in Minister of Foreign Affairs Vygaudas Usackas and asked the prime minister to initiate his dismissal proceedings.

Source:

http://www.baltic-course.com/eng/baltic_states/?doc=22719


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