Lithuanian foreign minister supports Poland's stance on EU budget

Lithuania's foreign minister backed Poland's stance on the future European Union budget Wednesday, declaring that the two new members must stand together, a news agency reported.

Poland is seeking the maximum development money for the 10 mostly ex-communist countries that joined the EU last year.

Lithuanian Foreign Minister Antanas Valionis said his country and Poland "must support each other" over the budget, the PAP news agency reported

Britain, which holds the rotating EU presidency until the end of the year, wants to cut back the EU's 2007-2013 budget. It is trying to win support from the other 24 member states for less farm support for all and less infrastructure funding for poorer countries.

Valionis and Polish Foreign Minister Stefan Meller also discussed energy security, an issue of joint concern after Russia and Germany announced plans this fall to build a gas pipeline through the Baltic Sea, bypassing Poland, AP reported. V.A.