Speaker of the Seimas: it is difficult to justify that Lithuania does not have an ambassador in Poland

“In my eyes, at a time like now, when the war in Ukraine continues, changes have taken place in Poland, elections have just taken place, it is difficult to justify the fact that Lithuania does not have an ambassador in Poland,” the head of the parliament told Žiniai Radio on Wednesday.

“If that lack is based on what we’re hearing that the president doesn’t like the proposed candidacy, I have a hard time justifying that,” she added.

According to V. Čmilytė-Nielsen, such a situation causes damage to the state.

“It seems to me that it is not useful for the state, the Presidency itself, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it is all affected.” Now it is very important that relations with Poland continue to be so close that cooperation is good at all levels,” she said.

The Speaker of the Seimas asserted that efforts are being made to maintain close relations with Poland at the parliamentary level.

“Today, I will talk to my new colleague, the chairwoman of the Senate, and soon I will also have a video interview with the speaker of the Seimas. We really do everything at the parliamentary level to maintain our close cooperation in all areas,” said V. Čmilytė-Nielsen.

Lithuania’s ambassador to Poland Eduardas Borisovas has been removed from his position following the end of his term of office since September 7 of this year, the embassy is currently headed by Minister Plenipotentiary Audronė Markevičienė.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gabrielius Landsbergis, stated last week that the appointment of the new ambassador is stuck in the Presidency, and the first candidacies of the ministry were submitted almost a year and a half ago.

Advisor to the President, Ridas Jasiulionis, previously stated that the latter submitted candidate was rejected due to his qualifications, as he does not speak Polish. Gitanas Nausėda himself claims that the course of the competition allows him to believe that they are trying to patronize “certain people” for the position of ambassador and other applicants who “perhaps do not suit the leadership of the ministry” are being passed over.

Ambassadors to Lithuania are appointed by the President at the proposal of the Government and with the approval of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Seimas.