MOSCOW: Opponents of Lithuanian president Rolandas Paksas said yesterday he was doomed to impeachment after admitting being blackmailed by an alleged arms dealer accused of links to the Russian mafia and intelligence services.
On national television, Mr Paksas said he had been "pressured" by Mr Yuri Borisov and asked forgiveness for naming the Russian businessman as an adviser, in the latest twist to a saga that has embarrassed Lithuania before it joins NATO next week and the European Union in May.
"He's made the impeachment process much simpler," said Prime Minister Algirdas Brazauskas, who wants Mr Paksas ousted for compromising state security through his relationship with Mr Borisov, the main financier of his election campaign last year.
Mr Paksas, a former stunt pilot, denies being blackmailed by the millionaire, and has fended off allegations that his office had been infiltrated by Russian intelligence. Mr Borisov also denies all charges against him.
Mr Paksas shocked Lithuanians by naming his ally as an adviser this week, only to publicly reverse that decision late on Thursday night.
"In recent days, Yuri Borisov has made it clear to me that allegedly compromising material could be used against me if I do not accept him as adviser," Mr Paksas said. "I am distancing myself from Borisov and do not intend to tolerate further pressure on the state, on me or on my family."