News

I cordially welcome Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, to this Council and thank her and the Secretary General Ban Ki-moon for their briefings.   In a world that is getting flatter cooperation between the UN and regional organisations is not an option, but an essential element of preventing, managing and resolving conflicts. The EU has been the most reliable partner in promoting the UN principles, strengthening respect for the rule of law. As the Secretary General pointed out during the last debate, the EU is a champion of human rights and a steadfast partner in promoting Millennium goals, advancing gender equality and tackling climate change.

We see tangible results of this cooperation, as reflected in the first-ever Presidential Statement on institutional and strategic partnership between the UN and the EU, adopted under the Lithuanian Presidency a year ago.

Mr. President,

The threat of terrorism has put collective efforts of the international community to unprecedented test. While this threat is not new, the recent tragic developments, in Iraq, Nigeria, the Sahel region, and elsewhere, including on the European soil, attest to the capacity of terrorism to spread and transform. It is only through institutional cooperation that we are able to meet the  pressing need to shape and implement effective counter-terrorism policies.

The landmark resolution 2178 (2014) provides an important guidance in this regard, and is high on the agenda of the Security Council Counter Terrorism-Committee, which Lithuania chairs. In December last year the Committee heard a briefing by Ms. Mara Marinaki, Managing Director for Global and Multilateral Issues of the European External Action Service (EEAS), on the EU role in the areas of common interest.  Lithuania has recently joined the Counter-Messaging Working Group of Counter-ISIL/Da’esh Coalition, which is in line with the EU’s strengthened commitment in the field.

Mr. President,

As reaffirmed at the EU-Africa Summit in Brussels last April, the EU is committed to supporting Africa's efforts to manage its own security. The EU continues to provide targeted assistance, notably via its CSDP missions, and to financially contribute to AU peacekeeping operations. The Central African Republic, Mali and Somalia are some examples where the EU and UN work hand in hand to restore peace and bring stability.

Continued and more systematic interaction of the UN, the EU and other regional and sub-regional organisations, in particular the African Union, is crucial for ensuring effective collective response to the global challenges, such as an unprecedented Ebola outbreak in West Africa. The EU has been a key partner in UN’s and national efforts to eradicate this disease.

The EU plays an active role in encouraging parties to resume the Middle East Peace Process. We commend HR Mogherini for her personal engagement, including her recent initiative to seek further engagement of regional partners, in particular Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Egypt. At the same time, the EU, together with its Member States, remains one of the major donors of the Palestinian Authority.

The situation in Libya remains a matter of grave concern.  Overcoming existing differences and forming a government of national unity is urgent to save the country and prevent the spread of radical extremism and terrorism in the region. We fully support SRSG Bernardino Leon’s efforts in this respect. The Council must be particularly careful with its decisions on the lifting of arms embargo and the impact of such steps on the wider region.  

We appreciate the efforts of the High Representative aimed at reaching a comprehensive solution to Iran’s nuclear issue in the framework of E3+3 negotiations. A successful outcome of this negotiation would lead to greater stability and security in the entire region and beyond.

The EU together with the UN has to continue working actively to facilitate a political solution to the Syrian conflict, which is the only way out of this tremendous tragedy which has affected millions of Syrians. We look forward to the EU regional strategy for Syria and Iraq as well as the Da’esh threat. Ensuring accountability for war crimes, crimes against humanity and violations of IHL must remain a priority.

Turning to European neighbourhood, Mr. President, we are confident that the stabilization and association agreements between the EU and Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina will contribute to overall stability of the region. EU engagement and commitment to facilitation of the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue remains crucial. We look forward to furthering the process of normalisation of the relations between Belgrade and Pristina, as Serbia and Kosovo continue on their respective European paths. The commitment of the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina to undertake reforms in the framework of the EU Accession Process is a solid signal.

Mr. President,

Lithuania remains concerned about the developments in South Caucasus, where Russia continues to pursue a policy of de facto annexation of Georgian regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia under the guise of so-called alliance and integration treaties, in violation of Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Positive signals are badly needed in Ukraine. This conflict, caused by Russia’s aggression towards its neighbour, undermines the international system that has emerged out of the ashes of World War II and threatens international peace and security.

Ceasefire agreements have been repeatedly broken by Russia-sponsored militants, causing thousands of deaths, massive displacement and enormous suffering. By adopting the resolution 2202, the Council has put its weight behind the Minsk agreements and the package of their implementation. We must make sure this ceasefire does not end up as badly as the previous ones. EU sanctions must be maintained as long as destabilisation continues. Further measures should be discussed if the Minsk accords are broken again. 

Both the EU and the UN should continue providing support to the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission. The monitoring of the whole section of the Ukrainian-Russian border which has so far allowed a free flow of Russian weapons, fighters and mercenaries into the militant-held area should be ensured. The OSCE monitors should be provided unrestricted, safe and secure access to all areas. Consolidated UN, EU, OSCE and Council of Europe efforts are needed in order to ensure a secure, safe and unrestricted international access to the whole territory of Ukraine, including Crimea and along the border with Russia. We should also study carefully the peacekeeping option as requested by the Ukrainian government.

International efforts to support the Ukrainian government and its people in dealing with the humanitarian crisis facing the country should be stepped up. Lithuania has contributed to the joint operation organised by the European Commission and Member States through EU Civil Protection Mechanism and is providing bilateral and multilateral support in response to growing humanitarian needs in the country.

Finally, Madam High Representative, we look forward to your further briefings to the Council.

I thank you.