KALININGRAD. July 29 (Interfax-AVN)- During his visit to Vilnius, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov is expected to discuss issues concerning military cargo transit through Lithuania.
"In Lithuania, I will discuss, among other issues, problems concerning the transit of rocket fuel components via Lithuania," Ivanov said at a news conference in Kaliningrad on Monday.
"This is a long-standing problem. In 1991-1994, rocket fuel components were shipped to the Kaliningrad region. The fuel's service term has expired, and it needs to be replaced," the minister said.
Ivanov stressed that spent rocket fuel may be taken out only by rail. "We have no other option for delivering fresh fuel and taking out the old fuel," he said.
The defense minister noted that Moscow has not been able to resolve this problem with Vilnius for two years.
"Talks on this problem are underway at all levels, including by the Defense and Foreign Ministries. Lithuania refers to its legislation banning any transit of military cargo via the country's territory," Ivanov said.
He stressed that transportation of spent rocket fuel by rail was safe for the environment. This is a problem of both the Kaliningrad region and all adjacent regions, including Poland, he said.
"It makes no sense to delay the solution of the problem. We have no other way," Ivanov stressed.
The Russian minister is leaving for Lithuania on Monday and will stay there until Wednesday.