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New challenges, new roles, new players

Excellencies,  Ladies and Gentlemen,

Let me start by thanking the hosts for inviting us to this beautiful town and bringing to our attention the questions that are vital for today’s Europe.

We are about to face a significant transformation of the region of the South Eastern Europe. It is most likely that less than in one year, in Bucharest NATO will launch a new enlargement and some countries will receive invitations to join. Sooner than later the enlargement will also follow in the EU.

First of all, extending area of NATO and the EU brings new dynamic to the region. It also brings new challenges,  new roles and players. Now we border regions we did not consider our neighbours before, we face issues which did not seem so acute before. As a result, the need to talk and to work together in different fora has increased. Meetings like today give us a chance to develop a comprehensive  approach to common problems and to step over the limitations of NATO and the EU agendas.

Second, I thank the hosts for having chosen the right time for our meeting. The current processes in the Southeast of Europe might be crucial not only to the region, but for the EU and NATO, and for the regions beyond. Of course, here I mean Kosovo, but not only that. I also mean the future of democracy in the region, the future of values that we share.

It is no news that we together have to find a common approach towards the resolution of Kosovo question. There is no room for weakness or hesitation. EU and NATO have to play their roles for the sake of a lasting solution to the issue which has long been an obstacle to what all of us are aiming at – peace, stability and prosperity.

Therefore, the strong support from the countries in the region is crucial. We all have to assume and to share full responsibility for what is going to be our common future. Of course, some decisions may be painful. Still, we have to do what we must. My country’s view is that time has come to close one chapter and open a new one in Kosovo, based on Martti Ahtisaari’s plan and suggestions.

On our part, we will continue our support and assistance to Serbia, Bosnia and Hercegovina and Montenegro in their efforts. We will continue to work together to consolidate what these countries have already achieved. Let me also mention that Lithuania applies the same principles of cooperation and support to other countries of EU and NATO neighbourhood – Georgia, Ukraine and Moldova. I believe that the future of these countries lies in the EU and NATO. I believe their membership would strengthen both EU and NATO, it would also strengthen the region.

If one was to name a biggest geopolitical achievement of recent history in Europe, it is by no doubt the NATO and EU enlargement. It is my deepest conviction that the history is not over. The process of building peace, stability and prosperity in Europe is continuing. It is not geographically limited either. New players are emerging and gaining strength in the Southeast of Europe.  Their contribution will undoubtedly shape the future of the continent. When the countries of Western Balkans join the Euro Atlantic institutions it will be another no less significant historical accomplishment.

I’m glad the countries I have mentioned have now been increasingly involved in various regional initiatives, like the US-Adriatic Charter, the SEECAP, Regional Cooperation Council and others.

Ladies and gentlemen,

in 2008, we would mark the 10th anniversary of the US-Baltic Charter and the 5th anniversary of US-Adriatic Charter.  To celebrate both events, we are planning an Adriatic-Baltic-US Summit  in Vilnius on  January 17th next year. It would involve countries members of the Charters, the US, the new PfP members, representatives from NATO, EU as well as NATO and EU countries. We also intend to invite Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova, as well as Kosovo leadership at the meeting.

US-Baltic Charter has contributed a lot to what the three Baltic countries had achieved. US-Adriatic Charter made a difference in the Western Balkans. We know the formula of success: its 1+3+3+3 (+2). If we can use it today, we should. By the way, this at a first glance somewhat magic formula has its real authors who are still engaged working hard for positive developments in Europe. Some of them, including our panelist Mr. Bruce Jackson I am happy to see today in this very audience.

There will plenty of problems to discuss in early 2008 in Vilnius. First of all, preparations  for the seminal NATO Summit. We would also look for new ways to take our cooperation  further; we would reassert that Balkans and Eastern Europe should be strengthened in their reform efforts; we would send an encouragement to those who need it. To my deepest conviction, building regional network constitutes a step towards a wider Euro-Atlantic cooperation and thus security, stability and prosperity.

Let me finish by extending warm words to our host Croatia. We are impressed by the Croatian active profile in promoting regional cooperation. It was Croatia who was the first to see the value of the idea of wider regional cooperation of encompassing US, Baltic and Adriatic regions. Thank You for this opportunity to participate in the Summit, and once again allow me to invite you to the upcoming meeting in Vilnius.