Lithuania needs its own antiterrorist strategy

Following tragic terrorist attacks in Paris on November 13 the Lithuanian prime minister summoned Minister of the Interior Saulius Skvernelis and State Security Department Darius Jauniškis for an urgent meeting on security. According to Prime Minister Algirdas Butkevičius, it focused on ways to contribute to international efforts against terrorism as well as measures to ensure domestic security, DELFI informed. The question arises about the country readiness to cope with similar situation.

It’s generally known that National Security Strategy of the Republic of Lithuania is noting the international terrorism as one of the factors forming Lithuania‘s security policy agenda. Yet, it is believed that this threat to Lithuania is more hypothetical. Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs states on its website that “the current internal environment and historical experience do not create conditions for terrorist groups to be formed.” In light of recent events I would say it is a very controversial statement. Even more – dangerous delusion.