MINSK, 29 December (BelTA) – Anatoly Glaz, Head of the Information and Digital Diplomacy Office, Press Secretary of the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, commented on the situation that is developing around the Belarus sanatorium in Druskininkai after the EU imposed sanctions against Belarus, and on the actions of the Lithuanian authorities in this regard, BelTA has learned.
“This is not only about the EU's flawed decisions that we constantly talk about. This is also an example of outright hypocrisy. The Lithuanian side creates a problem in an absolutely thoughtless, or vice versa, a deliberate way, intentionally leaving its citizens without salaries during New Year holidays, and then loudly promises, I would like to emphasize that these have been just words so far– extraordinary efforts to address the problem. Of course, we are keeping an eye on the situation, and we will certainly inform the public when the Lithuanian side resolves it,” Anatoly Glaz said.
“It is obvious who is behind all this, and we hope that they will not be able to talk their way out of it,” the spokesman stressed.
He once again drew attention to the sheer cynicism of the decisions made: “In pursuit of political dividends, our ‘well-wishers' continue to deliberately inflict direct and obvious damage on ordinary Belarusians, about whose well-being they allegedly care.”
In this regard, Anatoly Glaz noted that the Belarus sanatorium in the Lithuanian town of Druskininkai is a healthcare facility that serves as a rehabilitation center for children, including children with disabilities. More than 13,000 people are treated there every year, including more than 6,500 children. “Will the Lithuanian side, together with the initiators of the sanctions, be able to answer to each of them and provide a compensation?” Anatoly Glaz asked a rhetorical question.
“The truth is that not only Belarusian citizens get into the sanctions mess of our Lithuanian partners. Direct damage is inflicted on the economy and interests of Lithuanians themselves. The Belarus sanatorium is one of the largest in Lithuania. Almost 90% of 400 employees are Lithuanian citizens. The Belarusian healthcare facility is often among the top five taxpayers of Druskininkai. Hundreds of Lithuanian families will lose their jobs and income because of the decision to restrict the operation of the town's economic mainstay,” Anatoly Glaz said.
“In our opinion, deep disappointment of our Western partners with the failed pseudo-democratic blitzkrieg is turning into an impotent rage and an urge to punish both our people and other own people more strongly,” he added.
As previously reported by BNS, the Lithuanian government is considering ways to help employees of the Belarusian state-owned sanatorium in Druskininkai, as its accounts were frozen due to the EU sanctions. According to Lithuania's Sodra State Social Insurance Fund, the sanatorium employs 393 people.
