MINSK, 6 November (BelTA) - Belarus bears no responsibility for the negative consequences of Lithuania's decision to close the border, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus Ruslan Varankov told the media, BelTA has learned.
“Lithuanian media are quoting the statement by Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė regarding negotiations with Belarus on the return of Lithuanian freight vehicles stuck in our territory. Indeed, a corresponding request, if it can be called an official request to Minsk, has been sent to the Lida Border Guard Detachment,” Ruslan Varankov said.
In this regard, the spokesperson recalled that the decision to close the border was made unilaterally and exclusively by the Lithuanian side.
“Belarus is not responsible for its negative consequences, which have proven multifaceted, ranging from issues with freight transport to significant damage inflicted not only on Belarusian citizens and business and the Lithuanian side itself, but also on citizens of third countries, including EU member states,” he emphasized. “For our part, we strongly urge the Lithuanian authorities to revoke their decision and resume the normal operation of border checkpoints for citizens, vehicles, and cargo.”
Ruslan Varankov noted that thousands of citizens from both countries and the EU as a whole are eagerly awaiting this simple and logical decision from Vilnius. “They need a solution that will be sustainable and predictable. Adopting selective measures is out of the question,” he emphasized.
Ruslan Varankov assured that, in the interests of its citizens, Belarus stands ready to resume dialogue at any time to resolve the existing issues concerning the operation of border checkpoints.
“Lithuanian media are quoting the statement by Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė regarding negotiations with Belarus on the return of Lithuanian freight vehicles stuck in our territory. Indeed, a corresponding request, if it can be called an official request to Minsk, has been sent to the Lida Border Guard Detachment,” Ruslan Varankov said.
In this regard, the spokesperson recalled that the decision to close the border was made unilaterally and exclusively by the Lithuanian side.
“Belarus is not responsible for its negative consequences, which have proven multifaceted, ranging from issues with freight transport to significant damage inflicted not only on Belarusian citizens and business and the Lithuanian side itself, but also on citizens of third countries, including EU member states,” he emphasized. “For our part, we strongly urge the Lithuanian authorities to revoke their decision and resume the normal operation of border checkpoints for citizens, vehicles, and cargo.”
Ruslan Varankov noted that thousands of citizens from both countries and the EU as a whole are eagerly awaiting this simple and logical decision from Vilnius. “They need a solution that will be sustainable and predictable. Adopting selective measures is out of the question,” he emphasized.
Ruslan Varankov assured that, in the interests of its citizens, Belarus stands ready to resume dialogue at any time to resolve the existing issues concerning the operation of border checkpoints.
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