The new authorities of Lithuania "rake" all they got from conservatives

The deputy of the Seym of Lithuania, the member of economic committee, the member of inter-parliamentary groups on communications with Russia and Belarus, the chairman of the party “Lithuanian Russian Union” Sergey Vasilyevich Dmitriev answers the questions of “The world and we” about a situation developing in Lithuania after the beginning of activity of new ruling coalition and the government .

- What changes did happen in Lithuania in social and economic and political spheres for working hours of the new government and parliament?

Right after the New Year the parliament left on winter vacation - we had the last meeting in January and only the thematic conferences will be held till March 10. Nevertheless, during this time there were some significant events which should be noted. This is the removal of deputy immunity from the leader of the Labour party Victor Uspasskikh and his deputy because of the approach of the trial begun against them. Heads of the Labour party accuse of “black accounts department” - concealment of more than 25 million litu. Many experts note possible political motivation of this process.

Besides, there was the information about association of the Labour party and Order and Justice Party of the former president Roland Paksas. Big discussion caused the made decision on increase of the minimum monthly wage salary to 1000 litu. The relation to it is ambiguous and it will be discussed at special conference of industrialists and businessmen.

Our partners in a coalition are the Selective Action of Poles of Lithuania (SAPL) declared a possible leaving from a coalition because the political conditions concerning the national schools aren't accepted. Essence of claims is that under the new law the examination on the Lithuanian language is supposed on equal terms irrespective of national or the Lithuanian school. Now the Poles made the requirement to prolong the introduction of this norm for 8 years – to make a transitional stage. And there is the logic in it because everyone who studies at the Polish or Russian schools, of course, will be difficult to sit for an exam on the Lithuanian language as equals. Though, for example, the Russian children who study at schools of Vilnius, considering that here the teaching is conducted at rather high level, as a rule, perfectly know the Lithuanian language and pass examinations as equals with the Lithuanians.

Therefore the main problem here is in language teaching, as it treats and teaches. The Polish diaspora has the problem that they live compactly, on the periphery and as a whole the quality of their education is much lower. But this tendency exists and in other countries – in capital cities the education level is higher, than in rural areas. Here there are these problems for the decision of which our Polish friends fight not one year. This initiative was supported also by the president of Poland Komorovsky. When he came to Lithuania, stated some wishes to our president, expressed modest indignation because it is necessary to respect and appreciate the national minorities.

And now the statement of the Selective Action of Poles of Lithuania for the leaving from a coalition was heard.

But it is necessary to recognize that this is a little double-faced statement because the Poles received many portfolios at joining of the coalition. For example, the Minister of Energy in this one of the key ministries and 5 posts of vice-ministers of the various ministries. There are some more departments where they successfully put own people. Therefore here there is rather a certain political attack, than real readiness to work. I don't think that they are ready to lose all this at leaving from a coalition. Especially as the existence of their voices doesn't play a role by and large. Their presence simply provides a constitutional law. And if they leave, the majority all the same remains at a coalition – at social democrats, the Labour party and “Order and Justice”. Therefore these threats were apprehended with a smile in many respects.

Thus, it will be possible to speak about any primary results of activity of the government traditionally upon completion of 100 days of its work. Considerable efforts are made now, all work, but there are a lot that it is necessary “to rake” after actions of last power.

- What consequences will be had by association of the Labour party of Victor Uspasskikh and Order and Justice Party of Roland Paksas for the work of parliament and policy of Lithuania? With what purpose does this association carry out?

There are some reasons and purposes. Trial against Uspassky is connected not only with persons, but also with party as a whole. The party is rather popular today, but has an anti-conservatoire focus and for many is the extremely undesirable force. After all his party acts with sharp criticism of that our conservatives did in due time. For this reason the active actions against the Labour party are observed. For example, the same charges of manipulation during elections. Paksas's party “Order and Justice” suffered from actions of our, so-called, political elite in due time too. Therefore it is quite logical to them to combine the efforts and to increase party. Besides, on a case of persecutions against their parties they will be able to give to new party a new name and to make correcting in the charter and the program of new political force.

Thus, there will be the new “old” political force. At association of efforts these parties increase the opportunities and potential. First of all, the competition at electorate disappears, as an electoral field of these parties is almost the same. And this situation can already yield result in two years when the municipal elections will pass.

- How the politicians from ruling coalition treated the carrying out of march of Nazis on February 16 in Kaunas which was organized by the Lithuanian union of national youth?

As a whole we, unlike Riga, condemn such actions. It isn't welcomed at us, including at the level of the official power, intelligence services and police. The prosecution for kindling of international discord is fixed in the Constitution and also legislatively. But this organization, unfortunately, carries out such marches annually and it should be noted that they after all get some support from radical politicians. But it is a scourge not only for Lithuania, but also for many other countries.

Even in Israel there were once such attacks of fascist swells. But I can unambiguously say that it isn't welcomed in our country. On any facts there are messages to mass media, but from radical politicians there were never official performances in support of these organizations and their actions. They are under serious supervision and their some activists even bore criminal liability for the actions.

- What are intentions of the new structure of Lithuanian Seym in development of the relations with Russia?

It is impossible to say that there is completely worked plan in this direction. It is possible to claim with an accuracy that the initiative of development of cooperation will proceed from parliamentarians who are included into group on inter-parliamentary communications with Russia. Though, unfortunately, it isn't registered up to the end yet in connection with scandals and judicial proceedings round the Labour party. First of all, this group will be adjusted on forming of good-neighbourhood with Russia. But, besides, many other politicians are adjusted in the same way. Both speeches of the prime minister and the position of social democrats testify it - it is a restoration of those communications which were unfortunately destroyed at conservatives. After all it is known that conservatives always built policy concerning Russia in a negative key.

- Did someone the analysis of an economic situation in Lithuania in case of the Lithuanian-Russian relations start worsening? For example, if the Russian Federation ceases to use ports, pipeline systems and other infrastructure objects?

Such situation, of course, is analyzed, but the results of such researches don't become property of all. It is more unofficial subjects because all understand these consequences. Separate speeches of politicians, ministers on this subject happen, there are discussions, and all perfectly estimate this situation. All understand that destruction of the relations won't bring to advantage. Especially as we have the proofs to that – the highest prices for gas and a consequence on some other points. Thus even our next neighbours Estonians and Latvians have more favourable relations, though their politicians are not “gift” too. The conflict situation is more warmed up by some radical Lithuanian politicians.

Certainly, such analytical researches are made, but it is necessary to speak about their details with experts who are engaged in it – from Institute of economy and other similar establishments where the analysts work. Sometimes, some conclusions of these researches are published. But, as a rule, this information is tried to suppress.

- How does Lithuania will build the relations with NATO further – will it participate in missile defence deployment, to place the military contingent?

I personally don't accept the policy existing in this sphere. But Lithuania entered NATO block, is its member and therefore will fulfil obligations which is obliged to carry out as the member of this block. If it was free partnership, then there would be a leeway. But in a present situation Lithuania will have to fulfil the obligations assigned by NATO, and it won't get to.

- What forces interfere with the development of the relations with the Russian Federation in Lithuania in every possible way?

Certainly, it is conservatives from “Homeland Union – Lithuanian Christian Democrats” party - our radical politicians. It is obvious to all, all know about it – from the schoolchild to the pensioner. Their aggressive policy concerning Russia is rather accurately designated, they openly speak about it. The activity of the chairman of political committee of this party Vitautas Landsbergis directed against Russia is known for everyone. And when they were in power, they not only spoke, but also made active actions in this direction. The most known anti-Russian decision made at the initiative of this party is the law on compensation of damage from “occupation” of the USSR to Lithuania and presentation of requirements to Russia in this regard.

Therefore that today the power in Lithuania exchanged, gives hope that we will have a warming and that was at conservatives already never to repeat. Especially considering the program installations of those parties which are at the power today.