"We received confirmations that the issue we mentioned in the document given in July to Dutch Foreign Minister [Holland has presided in the European Union since July 1, 2004] Bernard Bot is being considered. There are expectations that there will be specific movement forward on this issue," said Mr. Lavrov.
"This is an important issue, it is directly connected with the normal functioning of the Kaliningrad region [Russian enclave on the Baltic Sea], with the possibility to resolve the social and economic problems in the sphere," he stressed.
In the minister's words, he thoroughly explained to the European colleagues the concerns of the Russian side connected with the Kaliningrad transit.
"Our concerns have been heard, we hope we will seek the solution of this problem together in the triangle the European Union-Lithuania-Russia. This is the only right decision, taking into account the agreements reached at the May 21 summit, which envisage a transit agreement signed," said Mr. Lavrov.
He emphasized that Moscow wants the cargo delivery mode from the Kaliningrad region to Russia's mainland part and vice versa to be not worse than previously and even more simplified.
"For the time being, the new formalities result in customs procedures becoming more expensive by 50%, sanitary procedures, by 33%, and many others. We have shown by specific facts that the situation has improved after Lithuania joined the European Union," said Mr. Lavrov.
In his words, the Russian side is interested in seeking a solution to the problem with account for the interests of Lithuania, Russia and the EU.
