George Bush: We Cannot Turn Our Back on Belarusian Society :: Charter'97 :: News

“We cannot turn our backs on the Belarusian society, we cannot isolate these people. But the world cannot tolerate cruel violations of rights and freedoms in this country either, stated George Bush on Monday at a meeting with Lithuanian president Valdas Adamkus. During their meeting the two presidents have discussed issued of Transatlantic cooperation, situation in Iraq and Afghanistan, prospects of the Eastern Europe.

During the meeting which lasted for half an hour issues of the NATO development were discussed as well. Mr Adamkus has underlined an importance of the so-called Adriatic initiative, envisaging assistance to Albania, Croatia and Macedonia in their integration to the NATO. The Adriatic charter was signed by the former U.S. Secretary of State Collin Powell on May 2, 2003 and by foreign ministers of these countries in Tirana, Albania, May 2, 2003.

Besides, on February 12 Lithuanian President Valdis Adamkus and the U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney discussed problems of democracy advance to the East of Europe, and issues of energy security, BSN agency informs. Participants of the meeting have discussed urgent issues of democracy reinforcement in the states of Eastern Europe and South Caucasus, promotion of a Transatlantic dialogue, energy policy and foreign policy.

In the desire for their common goals: freedom, democracy and security, they should continue to strengthen cooperation between Lithuania and the US, the transatlantic dialogue, President Adamkus said. Mr Cheney has noted that the US administration highly appreciates Lithuania’s efforts in supporting democracy in the region. He said that the experience and opinion of Lithuania in evaluating processes in Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova and South Caucasus states is extremely important.

Adamkus has underlined that the US is an important partner of Lithuania and of the EU in general in the framework of democracy support in the neighbouring countries. A necessity to intensify Transatlantic dialogue on energy issues was stated at the meeting. Adamkus said that not only alternative projects of energy supplies are necessary, but these recourses are to be used in the most effective way. Lithuanian president finds it necessary to use renewable energy resources more often. US Vice President asked about Lithuania’s plans on construction of a modern nuclear power station and a possible technical support of the US in the sphere of implementing alternative sources of energy.