"One of the arguments against such rotation is that it would require more funds. And why rotation just to Estonia, maybe we need rotation in Latvia, too? So Latvia's position at this moment is negative," Pabriks told BNS in Kaunas.
Last week, the Estonian Defense Ministry restated its stance that the decision on rotation of the mission, which is currently carried out in Lithuania, should be made without delay.
Lithuania has been cautious about Estonia's proposals. Chief of Defense Lieutenant General Arvydas Pocius said in May it was necessary to consider whether there's point in duplicating projects, especially in the light of “smart defense” concept emphasized by NATO.
Defense Minister Rasa Juknevičienė also stated earlier that rotation would increase the costs of the air-policing mission "considerably."
