Rusijos sulaikymo strategija. Rusijos įtakos Lietuvoje mažinimo planas (anglų k.)

Russia Containment Strategy
Draft Agreement between political parties
Plan on Reduction of Russia’s influence

May 9, 2007

Introduction

The neighborhood of Russia has been the largest challenge to Lithuania for several centuries. The nature of Russia’s goals may change in the future from occupation of a territory to the occupation of governments' and people’s minds. It would be irresponsible not to see those threats.
Today Russia, led by Vladimir Putin, is becoming more powerful both institutionally and economically in seeking its geopolitical goals. Lithuania has been impacted by this and that’s why Tevynes Sajunga (Homeland Union) is convinced that our country should have a clear strategy in resisting Russia’s efforts to intensify their interference in the country.
1. Russia is becoming more aggressive in relations with its neighbors. (Events in Georgia, Estonia, closing of Druzhba pipeline) Dick Cheney expressed his concerns about this in 2006.
2. Russia is distancing itself from the Western democratic values and will be less likely to transform into a country of European democracy in the future.
3. Russia’s people don’t seem to be resisting the Kremlin's authoritarian and aggressive policies.
4. Russia’s efforts to increase its influence in the post-Soviet area are increasing.
5. Russia’s cultural invasion and propaganda is increasing and on the other hand the community’s resistance to such influence is weakening.
6. Russia employs all modern technologies in conducting its neocolonial policy – the number of Russian programs on TV radio has been dramatically increasing. Russia’s law makers have allocated 1 billion rubles to fight color revolutions.
7. Lithuania was expecting to become NATO and EU's eastern border upon acceding to those organizations. But unfortunately, Moscow is doing everything possible to make Lithuania its western border (fore post). NATO and the EU think they’ve done everything to assure Lithuania’s security and are not ready to fight in the war against minds – even the U.S. stopped broadcasting its programs in Lithuanian.
8. Today Russia explores three possible scenarios with respect to Lithuania:
a) Totally independent from Russia (9)
b) Totally dependent on Russia (10)
c) Finlandized Lithuania(11)
12. With the above mentioned in mind Lithuania should develop an action plan to prevent “Finlandization” of Lithuania. Such a plan/strategy should include the following interest areas:
-Lithuania’s foreign policy in the West.
-Lithuania’s foreign policy in the East
-Lithuania’s domestic policy to increase immunity against Russia’s influence.
13. In the west Lithuania should seek a realistic understanding by western countries of threats coming from Russia.
14. Lithuania should support a strong European Union. With the EU becoming stronger, the number of members overly sympathetic to Russia such as France and Italy today will be reduced.
15. And that’s why Lithuania should be supportive of the EU constitution, EU budget where sufficient resources are dedicated for the implementation of such important policies as energy and good neighborhood.
16. The more of America we have in Europe the less of Russia will be in Europe.
17. Lithuania should be an active supporter of projects in the EU and Central Europe aimed at assuring energy security.
18. For ages Lithuania has been that “playing card” which has been given out in exchange of the interests of the big ones. We have no guarantees that France or Germany won’t turn their backs on Lithuania at a critical moment leaving us to Russia. That’s why it is important to continue improving our strategic partnership with Poland.
19. Creation of energy “Zhechpospolita” Lithuania’s energy sector independence is only possible through assuring integration of all the neighbors’ networks into the UTCE. The Nuclear power plant should also become an integral part of the system.
20. Accordingly Lithuania and Poland should seek independence in the natural gas sector.
21. In the East Lithuania has very little chance to do anything alone by itself.
22. Together with its neighbors and U.S. policy architects in this region Lithuania should also become an active architect in shaping new neighborhood policies. Lithuania should seek that the EU clearly understands the notions of good neighborhood in the EU and in the EU’s neighborhood.
23. Lithuania should promote Russia containment policy in the EU.
24. Lithuania has very little effect on Russia, nonetheless it should seek to make Russia understand that it is more important for it to focus on domestic policies.
25. In Lithuania it is important to put every effort in reducing people’s disappointment in their country. Disappointment often helps populism to flourish.
26. Fight corruption. Corruption is an avenue for Russia’s financial influence.
27. Seek transparency in party financing.
28. Stop Russia’s financial influence on the media.
29. Develop a program to prevent manipulation of peoples’ minds.
30. Develop strategies to reduce energy dependency on Russia.
31. Increase patriotism of the country’s population.
32. Strong family and communities are more resistant to unfriendly influences.
33. Reduction of poverty.
34. Seek active participation in EU. This will help in developing people's dignity.
35. Lithuania should consider changing the system of electing a President to eliminate the possibility for Russia’s interference.
36. Lithuania should finally stop the erosion of its political life.