Fresh presidential scandal brewing in Lithuania

Reports by the Lithuanian president's information service that the head of the holding company Avia Baltika, Yuri Borisov, had been offered an advisory position on the staff of President Rolandas Paksas, has caused widespread consternation in Lithuania.

As reported by a Rosbalt correspondent, Lithuania's national television station broadcast a debate on the subject late into the night Wednesday. Participating were Yuri Borisov himself, who confirmed the offer. However, he said that a final decision would be made following a personal meeting with Paksas.

The cause of the uproar among Lithuanian politicians lies in the fact that Yuri Borisov is a Russian citizen. In addition, a pretrial investigation is ongoing regarding his involvement in the trade of strategically significant goods with countries supporting terrorism. Borisov has likewise threatened Paksas over his failure to fulfill promises made to him during the presidential campaign, which Borisov actively financed.

The discussion ended with the announcement by the president's adviser, Alvidasa Miadalinskasa, that the offer to Borisov had been withdrawn.