News

On 3 March in Saudi Arabia, at the meeting of the international Contact Group for Afghanistan and Pakistan, Political Director of the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Eitvydas Bajarūnas suggested to better exploit the potential of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) when providing support to the OSCE countries in strengthening their border control and fighting against the expansion of drugs coming from Afghanistan.

During the meeting that was held by the Organization of Islamic Conference in Jeddah, senior diplomats from the United States of America, European Union, Russia, many Muslim countries and the United Nations Organization discussed the political situation in Afghanistan and civilian aspects of transfer of the responsibility to the country’s authorities.

The main issue that the meeting covered was the reconciliation of conflicting parties and their reintegration into the society. The participants of the meeting acknowledged that this was now a priority, which would determine further processes in Afghanistan.

In Jeddah, representatives from the European Union’s member states also took part in the meeting with EU Special Representative in Afghanistan Vygaudas Ušackas and discussed with him the EU assistance to Afghanistan.

E.Bajarūnas acquainted the participants of the meeting with the plans of Lithuania’s OSCE chairmanship to hold a conference “Fight against Drug Trafficking and Border Security Strengthening within the OSCE Space” in Vienna on 16-17 June. The Political Director also informed the participants about preparations of the Lithuanian-led Provincial Reconstruction Team in Ghor for the transfer of responsibilities to Afghan authorities.

At the Kabul International Conference in July 2010, during which Lithuania was represented by Foreign Minister Audronius Ažubalis, the Government of Afghanistan announced its commitment that the Afghan National Security Forces would gradually take over the responsibility for the security of the country and the transition would last until the end of 2014. This decision was approved at the NATO Summit 2010 in Lisbon.

The mandate issued by the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania allows Lithuanian troops to participate in international operations until 31 December 2013. Lithuania has led the Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) in Ghor since July 2005. Military and civilian personnel from Denmark, Georgia, Japan, Ukraine and the U.S.A. serve and work in the Provincial Reconstruction Team in Ghor along with Lithuanian troops and civilians. Some 150 Lithuanian troops and civilians are stationed in Ghor province and a squadron in the southern Afghanistan.