News

On 23 January during his visit in Washington, Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Antanas Valionis met with US Secretary of State Colin Powell. Colin Powell thanked Lithuania for its active support in the fight against international terrorism. During the meeting, the officials discussed the progress of implementing commitments assumed at the OSCE Istanbul Summit. Before going on visit to Tbilisi and Moscow, Colin Powell took interest in Lithuania’s relations with Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and the countries of the Southern Caucasus. The participants of the meeting also exchanged opinions on the possible input of Lithuania as a future member of NATO and the European Union into the efficiency of these organisations. Secretary of State Powell indicated that the United States observed carefully the situation in Lithuania, related to the President’s impeachment. He expressed satisfaction over the fact that the Lithuanian institutions were functioning successfully and stated his belief that the process would take place according to the country’s Constitution and the principles of democracy. Antanas Valionis rejoiced over active US participation in the E-PINE initiative and forwarded invitation to hold a meeting of political directors from the Nordic, Baltic countries and the US in Vilnius in May, with the aim to discuss practical steps of the regional cooperation. On Friday, 23 January, the Lithuanian Foreign Minister also met with Senator from the Arizona State John McCain, high officials of the Departments of State and Defence and heads of the US Jewish organisations.