OREANDA-NEWS. On August 21, 2007 President of the Republic of Lithuania Valdas Adamkus received Minister of Economy Vytas Navickas, reported the Presidential website http://www.president.lt.

At the meeting, they discussed procedures of appointment of members to the National Control Commission for Prices and Energy (NCCPE) and problems raised during the President’s visit in different regions of Lithuania.

President Adamkus said to the Minister of Economy, who is involved in the selection procedure of candidates to NCCPE, that the Commission must be competent and represent consumer interests, and its activities must be transparent. Some candidatures submitted to the President raise doubts regarding their suitability to this position.

President Adamkus proposed to initiate immediately the revision of systematic regulation of this sector, legal regulation of the Commission’s activities and candidate selection based on the European Union practice and proposals of experts and related agencies, like the National Audit Office or Special Investigation Service.

The Head of State discussed with the Minister of Economy another process of high importance which should not be delayed – the energy project on building the electricity bridge between Lithuania and Sweden. The feasibility study which should have been finalized by the end of August has been delayed and there are questions voiced regarding the benefit of the future electricity bridge.

President is convinced that Lithuania needs power connection with Sweden taking into consideration plans to build a modern Ignalina nuclear power plant. The Lithuanian President hopes that the feasibility study will be finished in time and the implementation of the project will not be delayed.

The Lithuanian President and Minister of Economy also talked about problems which were voiced by members of local communities and municipalities during the President’s visit in different Lithuanian regions.

One of such problems is the suspended activities of the company Geoterma, which is involved in developing alternative energy, due to financial difficulties. President Adamkus does not understand why after investing millions of litas into this site the state is not taking immediate decisions to solve financial difficulties, which are not that big compared to the sums already spent. The Head of State encouraged Minister of Economy to take necessary decision on further activities of the plant.

President Adamkus was also interested to know why Gelgaudiskio manor house (Sakiai District) has not yet been given to the local community, especially that the Ministry of the Economy and the State Property Fund approved the idea of giving this manor house to the community. The community is planning to restore, maintain and use the manor house for tourism and cultural purposes. Minister of Economy Navickas assured President Adamkus that this problem would be solved in the nearest future.