PALESTINIAN ASSISTANCE: LITHUANIA DISTURBED BY

C O N F I D E N T I A L VILNIUS 000147 SIPDIS STATE FOR EUR/NB AND NEA/IPA E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/12/2016 TAGS: PREL KPAL RS IS LH SUBJECT: PALESTINIAN ASSISTANCE: LITHUANIA DISTURBED BY RUSSIAN INVITATION TO HAMAS LEADERS REF: STATE 21256 Classified By: Pol/Econ Officer Christian Yarnell for Reasons 1.4(b) and (d) ¶1. (C) We delivered reftel points regarding Palestinian assistance to Vaclovas Salkauskas, head of the MFA's Middle East Division, February 13. Salkauskas said that Lithuania agrees with the USG stance against assistance to a new Palestinian Authority government unless it renounces terrorism, recognizes Israel's right to exist, and accepts past agreements. He also noted that the GOL believes there is a strong EU consensus behind this position. ¶2. (C) Salkauskas expressed deep skepticism regarding Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent invitation to Hamas leaders to visit Moscow. He described Russia's outreach to Hamas as "unnecessary steps," and said he believes Russia is motivated by a base desire to advance its image as an international power broker, rather than by a true commitment to fostering peace in the region. KELLY