Lithuania unblocks Russia-EU talks

Lithuania is dropping its objections to Russia-EU strategic partnership talks. The change of heart followed a meeting between the country's Foreign Minister and his counterparts from Slovenia, Sweden and Poland.

Vilnius had previously blocked the negotiations because of several demands from Russia. These included the resumption of crude oil supplies cut by Moscow in 2006 and the solution of the frozen conflicts in the former Soviet republics of Moldova and Georgia.

After Poland agreed to lift its veto on Russia-EU partnership talks, Lithuania remained the only member objecting to it.

Now Lithuania says the European Union has taken all its concerns about Russia’s demands into account.

The new strategic partnership is expected to be discussed at an upcoming Russia-EU summit in Siberia in June.