Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis has issued a statement summing up his visit to the South Caucasus, where he noted that more Europe is needed in all three countries of the South Caucasus.
“Three South Caucasus states, different troubles, one repeating phenomenon. Russia’s influence is growing throughout the South Caucasus region. Armenia sees Russian soldiers in its territory as a discovery from Azerbaijan’s possible aggression. Is it real, uncertain, but Russia is “voluntarily” introducing additional capacity into the country. It’s nasty because it reminds me of the 1940s in Lithuania,” Landsbergis says.
The Minister notes that the challenges Georgia is facing are familiar to them.
“Since 2008, Russia has been fortifying the occupied territories, introducing new soldiers, building bases in their territories. After looking at the whole region, it looks like Russia is creating “Kaliningrad ′ ′ everywhere, strongly militarized enclaves whose help can threaten further military intervention or at least permanent political challenges. Experts from all three countries unanimously agree that withdrawing the United States from the geopolitical world, the European Union’s caution, and the growing Russian military power in the region threatens with new map transfers. That’s why all three South Caucasus countries need more Europe,” stated Landsbergis.
By Ketevan Skhirtladze