Trade between Russia and EU held up by Lithuania

At a meeting in Luxembourg the EU countries have failed to agree on a mandate for partnership talks with Russia.

Lithuania was the only country to oppose the mandate citing energy supply, judicial cooperation and regional security

Lithuania's stance prevents the EU from opening negotiations on trade and political partnership agreement.

On the eve of the Luxembourg talks, Lithuania stated that several documents must be attached to the mandate. Among these documents the country is insisting in particular on a declarations of resumption of gas supplies through the “Druzhba” pipeline and of restitution to the deported from the occupied Baltic region countries.

However, the Russian foreign Ministry says the EU mandate will be co-ordinated within several weeks.

A new round of EU talks is set for next week.