Lithuanian PM: Russian Capital Is Not Threating Our Independence

'Russia is our neighbour and it is important to cooperate with her as much as possible,' announced Lithuanian Prime Minister Algirdas Brazauskas in an interview on national radio today. In this way he demonstrated his support for the position of recently elected Lithuanian President Rolandas Paksas, who has stressed the need for closer cooperation with countries to the East and with Russia in particular. Mr Brazauskas said that economic ties with Russia and the exchange of goods is always beneficial for the economies of both countries.

The Lithuanian prime minister also refuted claims about 'the danger of Russian capital', which several Lithuanian politicians believe to be a threat to Lithuanian independence. Mr Brazauskas also mentioned that he will soon visit the USA where he will meet US leaders and discuss issues concerning US-Lithuania cooperation.