The Diplomat
The Government has authorised the purchase of ten satellite phones for consular emergencies at the Spanish Embassy in Lithuania and other representations in Eastern Europe in view of the increased tension following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Specifically, the Council of Ministers approved on Tuesday the agreement that takes note of the declaration of emergency for the acquisition of ten satellite phones for consular emergencies in the representation of Spain in Vilnius (Lithuania) and surrounding representations, for an amount of 14,641 euros, VAT included.
“The current situation in Ukraine has led to extraordinary circumstances that require the acquisition of ten satellite telephones with global coverage so that certain public employees, who provide essential services in the representation of Spain in Vilnius and the surrounding Spanish representations, have a device to ensure secure communications,” said the Executive.
Last March 8, the Spanish ambassador to Lithuania, José María Robles Fraga, issued a statement through the Embassy’s website addressed to people who had called to know the situation in this country after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. “Our main message in these days is and must be one of tranquility. The situation is one of absolute normality here, despite the logical concern over Russia’s unjustified and unjustifiable attack on Ukraine,” he said.
“Lithuania, as you know, is a member of the European Union and has, as an allied and friendly country, the strength of Europe, our full support and the security guarantee of the Atlantic Alliance,” the ambassador said. “The Lithuanian government has declared a state of emergency that aims to allow the urgent implementation of measures to cover any risk or eventuality, for example, in the case of a possible arrival in large numbers of Ukrainian refugees,” Robles Fraga continued.
“I understand, especially in the case of those of you who are students of the Erasmus program in Lithuania, the concern of your families in Spain,” he continued. “I ask you, in addition to transmitting to them the reality and normality of the situation in Lithuania, to make a small effort and register at the consular section of the Embassy. In this way we will be able to locate you and inform you of any notice or news of interest”, he concluded.
