After the parliamentary elections in Lithuania in October 2008, the new majority was formed with the Homeland Union/Lithuanian Christian Democrats (TS/LKD) ahead. The Homeland Union (and especially one of its leaders, a deputy to the European Parliament Vytautas Landsbergis) has always supported the Euro-Atlantic solidarity, criticized the Russian foreign and local policy, and consistently supported the Euro-Atlantic integration of its closest neighbors (first of all Ukraine and Georgia). The official appointment of Andrius Kubilius (chairman of TS-LKD) as the Prime Minister of Lithuania might result in a more active Lithuanian foreign policy regarding the CIS, and worsening relations with Russia (especially if the issue on compensation for the damage caused by the Soviet occupation is escalated). However, the new minister of foreign affairs Vygaudas Ušackas seems to have a more pragmatic approach towards Moscow and other Lithuanian neighbors. If so, what would be his relations with Prime Minister and President, and what could we expect from the new Lithuanian foreign policy?

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For effective complex defence of Latvia, the establishment of a permanent division of the National Armed Forces has started in Latgale, reported the official website of the Ministry of Defence.

On 13 January a concert "Together to the victory" was held in Lithuania, where the audience decided to support Ukraine's defence and donated 110 thousand Euros.

Alexander Lukashenko on 9 January signed a decree № 8 "On the establishment of visa-free entry and exit of foreign nationals." The document establishes visa-free entry to Belarus for a period not exceeding 5 days at the entrance through the checkpoint "National Airport Minsk" for citizens of 80 countries, - reported the press service of the President of Belarus.