At the Presidential Palace, Parliament's delegation met with President Dalia Grybauskaite, ministers and representatives of the Lithuanian Seimas. The EP President and the heads of the EP fraction discussed with the Lithuanian representatives on current topics related to the upcoming Lithuanian Presidency in the Council of Europe.

M. Callanan, the President of ECR fraction asked Madame President and Ministers, when the problems of the national minorities in Lithuania would be solved. Unfortunately, the issue raised by the head of the ECR was ignored and he didn't get any response for his question.

After a meeting at the Presidential Palace Chairman of the ECR Group Martin Callanan together with the ECR General Secretary Frank Barrett went to the meeting with the head of the Lithuanian delegation in the ECR Group in the European Parliament, Chairman of the Electoral Action of Poles in Lithuania, MEP Valdemar Tomasevski and delegation of EAPL.

The meeting was held at the ECR Office in Vilnius. ECR is the only faction of the European Parliament, which has its office in Lithuania. "We are pleased that in such a busy schedule you have found the time to meet with the management of EAPL. Our political party is very satisfied with the effective cooperation with the ECR group" – MEP V. Tomasevski welcomed guests.

The meeting was also attended by Rita Tamaszuniene, President of the Parliamentary Faction of EAPL, Zdzislav Palevic, vice-chairman of EAPL, Mayor of Šalčininkai region, Zbigniev Jedinski, vice-chairman of EAPL, MP of Lithuanian Seimas.

AWPL representatives discussed the current issues with the EP delegates, inter alia about the upcoming elections to the European Parliament. Regret was expressed over artificial attempts of larger party to raise the election threshold and reduce the chances of the smaller parties in the EP elections.

M.Callanan emphasized, that he is very happy with the excellent cooperation with the EAPL party and expressed the hope that after the parliamentary elections next year, the ECR will be able to welcome a larger group of MEPs from EAPL.

After the meeting, the Chairman and the Secretary General of the ECR Group went for a walk through the beautiful streets of Vilnius Old Town. On Friday, continuing a two-day visit, representatives of the European Parliament met with the Members of Lithuanian Parliament.

www.L24.lt