LITHUANIA CONGRATULATES IRAQ ON SUCCESSFUL

C O N F I D E N T I A L VILNIUS 000120 SIPDIS STATE FOR EUR/NB AND NEA E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/02/2014 TAGS: PGOV PREL MOPS LH SUBJECT: LITHUANIA CONGRATULATES IRAQ ON SUCCESSFUL ELECTIONS REF: A. SECSTATE 17210 ¶B. SECSTATE 12757 Classified By: POL/ECON OFFICER TREVOR BOYD FOR REASONS 1.4 (B) AND (D) ¶1. (C) We delivered reftel A points regarding Iraq's elections to Kestutis Jankauskas, Director of the MFA's Security Policy Department on January 31. The GOL did not release any statements before the elections (reftel B),but Jankauskas was preparing a post-election declaration for Foreign Minister Antanas Valionis to release. He appreciated receiving reftel points. Jankauskas said that the GOL would be active in helping draft the EU's statement on the Iraqi elections. ¶2. (U) ForMin Valionis's February first public statement drew heavily on reftel points, applauding Iraq's free and fair parliamentary election, the first in generations. Begin text of MFA statement on Iraqi elections: Lithuania pays tribute to the Iraqi people who took an active part in the elections of the Transitional National Assembly and decisively expressed their will to restore full-fledged statehood. These elections are important steps, which will help to restore stability in the region and open the road for the peaceful and democratic development of Iraq. Lithuania stands for a clear political perspective * the transfer of power to the Iraqi people and the restoration of Iraqi statehood, based on the Constitution drafted and adopted by the Iraqis. Lithuania is ready to join the international community's efforts in establishing safety and stability Iraq, which is building its new future. End text of MFA statement on Iraqi elections. ¶3. (C) Comment. Lithuania is a consistent and active supporter of Coalition efforts in Iraq. The GOL not only puts boots on the ground, with troops serving under Polish and Danish command, but is also in the vanguard politically, wasting no time to articulate support for the successful elections in Iraq. MULL