CLOSE COOPERATION BETWEEN MILITARY AND CIVILIANS IS IMPORTANT FOR THE SUCCESSFUL RECONSTRUCTION OF AFGHANISTAN
On 27 March Undersecretary of Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Žygimantas Pavilionis discussed the course of operations in Afghanistan and Kosovo during the enlarged session of the North Atlantic Council at NATO’s headquarters in Brussels. During the meeting Ž.Pavilionis indicated that participation in the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) operation and leading the Provincial Reconstruction Team in the Ghor province of Afghanistan remains an important priority of Lithuania’s foreign policy.
Lithuanian representative noticed that close coordination of activities of the military and civilians working in the country, as well as those of NATO and other organisations will make a great impact on the successful reconstruction of Afghanistan.
Talking about Kosovo, Ž.Pavilionis encouraged all the members of the alliance to comply with united position on the status of Kosovo supporting well grounded suggestions of the United Nations Secretary-General’s special envoy Martti Ahtisaari. The suggestions were submitted to the members of the United Nations Security Council on 26 March of the current year.
The suggestions provide with measures for ensuring the implementation of minority rights in Kosovo, effective decentralization of the governance, protection of cultural and religious heritage. After the implementation of the suggestions of the special envoy concerning the status of the province, Kosovo could become a member of the UN and obtain its flag, coat of arms and national anthem. However, Kosovo would not be able to join Albania or segregate the Serbian settlements enabling them to join Serbia.
NATO Secretary-General highlighted that NATO completely supported the suggestions made by the United Nations Secretary-General’s special envoy M. Ahtisaari on the future status of Kosovo. Coordination of NATO and European Union’s activities is a very important factor for maintaining stability and peace in the province.
Discussions on the important issues regarding NATO operations and other important issues of the alliance are to be continued during the informal meeting of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs in Oslo on 26-27 April.
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