18 August 2014
“Colleague Speakers, members of the delegations,
I am particularly delighted to welcome you all gathered here, in Palanga, at the Lithuanian seaside. I had the pleasure of meeting many of you quite recently in Moldova, however, since not all the delegates were able to make it then, I am happy that this time we are all together. Our colleague Solvita Âboltiòa, Speaker of the Latvian Parliament, will join us later in the evening today because of the visit of German Chancellor Angela Merkel to Riga.
I am also delighted to welcome the Chairerman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Oleksandr Turchynov, who, despite the menacing situation and the military operation in Eastern Ukraine, has arrived to meet us. We hope to get the latest update from him on the situation in Ukraine, further steps of the country aimed at ensuring the territorial integrity of Ukraine, the war against terrorists and the on-going political processes in the region.
The agenda of this annual meeting is rather wide. Today we are going to focus on the Eastern Partnership of the European Union and challenges to the region’s security while tomorrow we will continue discussions on the European fiscal and monetary policy, the Strategies for the Baltic Sea Region and the Arctic as well as other relevant matters. Following the NB8 Speaker’s meeting tradition, we will have an opportunity to visit one of the most beautiful corners of Lithuania – the Curonian Spit.
Colleagues,
I have no doubt we will focus on the topical issues of today as the conflict in Ukraine has taken a new, broader political and economic dimension. The restrictions introduced by Russia on agricultural products will affect all European countries.
Vladimir Putin’s aggressive posture does not show any signs of searching for a rapid resolution of the conflict. Mobilisation of Russian troops at the Ukrainian border, continuous supply of weapons to the terrorists and public speeches of Russian politicians leave no doubt that the relations between the EU, US, many other European countries and Russia will not improve in the foreseeable future.
The rising tensions increase the probability that there may be wrong or ill-advised actions on one or the other side that could expand the geography of the on-going conflict. This is an obvious threat to the security of the entire region. Therefore, we have to respond to the situation appropriately and responsibly, and most importantly, to take a unanimous position.
We understand it; Russia understands it as well and seeks to divide Western countries and influence EU Member States.
Even though the quality of life of ordinary Russian people is deteriorating, they still voice their substantial support to Putin and his crones’ policy. It is likely that people supporting Putin today do not perceive the danger and possible consequences of his ideological policy.
Colleagues,
The latest developments in Ukraine make us fully understand that with the help of the EU, NATO and all other international organisations of various formats, we have to jointly contribute to stability in the region and to stop military threats. Although Ukraine represents the “hot spot” today, we should also remember other Eastern Partnership countries that need our support. I have in mind Georgia and, certainly, Moldova that we visited a short time ago.
Before concluding my opening address let me emphasise once again that each sovereign state has the right to determine its own future. Lithuania firmly supports the choice of Ukrainian people to cherish Western values.
Now I will give the floor to the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Oleksandr Turchynov.
Thank you for your attention. Mr Chairman, the floor is yours, and later on we will continue our discussion.”
