Army officer proposed as Lithuania’s new security chief

If approved by parliament, Jauniškis, 47, would replace outgoing Gediminas Grina in the post.

Jauniškis, a colonel who has served in Lithuania’s Armed Forces for 20 years, possesses experience in military command and intelligence, the President’s Office said on Tuesday.

He has a degree in economics and received a master of strategic studies at the Washington University two years ago.

From 1990, the candidate served in the security division of the Supreme Council of Lithuania for three years. He has received multiple high state and other awards.

Lithuanian PM views candidate as suitable

Jauniškis is a suitable candidate for director of the State Security Department, says Prime Minister Algirdas Butkevičius.

“My opinion is positive. I believe the candidate is well-selected for the chief of the State Security Department,” the head of the government told journalists at the parliament on Tuesday.

Butkevičius, the leader of the ruling Social Democrats, also said he had heard good responses about Jauniskis on the international arena.

“I believe he is a person who will be able to take over the duties fast and will be able of performing them in a responsible manner,” he added.

The PM expressed hope that other parliamentary groups would find the candidate suitable.

Later on Tuesday, Jauniskis should be presented to the parliament.

Under the Constitution, the security chief is appointed and dismissed by the president upon the parliament’s nomination.

The term of the department’s current director, Gediminas Grina, is due to expire later this month. The president has repeatedly criticized his performance.