Military intelligence head does not reveal, what he presented to the PM: have a calm Christmas

“We received an inquiry from the prime minister. At the moment, we are gathering information, we have sent inquiries to all criminal intelligence subjects and on receiving the information, we will evaluate it and will say. At the moment, I cannot say anything,” VSD head D. Jauniškis said after a Wednesday Seimas National Security and Defence Committee (NSGK) meeting, when asked if he presented S. Skvernelis information.

He did not specify, regarding what exactly the PM contacted the VSD because, as Jauniškis explains, the note is classified. Nevertheless, the intelligence head assured that so far he has not observed notions of unrest in Lithuania due to Russian influence.

AOTD chief R. Baltrėnas was also reticent following the NSGK meeting, not commenting on S. Skvernelis’ note. That said, according to R. Baltrėnas, the AOTD provided the head of cabinet with their response already this week and have concluded their work on the matter.

“I recommend the Lithuanian people to make use of the period of concentration before Christmas and celebrate Christmas in peace, as well as celebrate New Year,” R. Baltrėnas stated when asked if the Lithuanian citizens should be concerned over threats inside the country.

V. Bakas: 25 minutes spent ineffectively

Conservative NSGK members Rasa Juknevičienė and Arvydas Anušauskas stated after the committee meeting that neither the VSD, nor AOTD representatives provided any information on potential unrest in the country. They stated that they raised the question of calling on Seimas Speaker VIktoras Pranckietis to get acquainted with the classified information he was handed by S. Skvernelis.

NSGK chairman, “Farmer” group member Vytautas Bakas stated that during the committee meeting, the MPs found out that the prime minister contacted the intelligence services and awaits their responses. The politician noted that today’s meeting was more of an effort in politicking and draw attention. “We simply spent 25 minutes very ineffectively,” V. Bakas concluded, criticising the opposition representatives in the committee for, according to him, causing chaos or simply lacking professionalism. Nevertheless, he notes their initiative of requesting the Seimas speaker for the information would be considered.