BREST, 15 September (BelTA) - By closing its border with Belarus, Poland is harming itself, as it undermines its own credibility on the international stage, Igor Brilievich, Chairman of the Brest Oblast Council of Deputies, member of the Council of the Republic, said in an interview with BelTA.
The negative impact of Poland's border closure is felt not only by Belarusians but also by Polish citizens. "We strive to live peacefully with our neighbors. We pursue an absolutely open state policy, and our borders are open. We have established a visa-free regime and welcome guests: people come, visit our country, and see how we truly live. Of course, the steps taken by Poland are politically motivated and are entirely unfounded. Poles are primarily harming themselves, as such actions undoubtedly undermine their credibility on the international stage," Igor Brilievich emphasized.
The negative impact of Poland's border closure is felt not only by Belarusians but also by Polish citizens. "We strive to live peacefully with our neighbors. We pursue an absolutely open state policy, and our borders are open. We have established a visa-free regime and welcome guests: people come, visit our country, and see how we truly live. Of course, the steps taken by Poland are politically motivated and are entirely unfounded. Poles are primarily harming themselves, as such actions undoubtedly undermine their credibility on the international stage," Igor Brilievich emphasized.
Poland’s decision has brought passenger and freight traffic moving east-west and west-east to a standstill. “Absolutely innocent people are suffering on both sides – those who could not reach their families on time, whose planned trips were cancelled. Of course, cargo flows are also affected by this. But I am confident that everything will be resolved in time. We believe and strive to have good relations with the Poles, with the Lithuanians – with all our neighbors. I am convinced that common sense will prevail. The open, friendly policy pursued by our state cannot but contribute to the restoration of these contacts,” he said.
Poland closed its border checkpoints with Belarus during the night of 12 September. The decision affected the road checkpoints Brest-Terespol, Kozlovichi-Kukuryki, and four railway checkpoints: Grodno-Kuznica Bialostocka, Berestovitsa-Zubki Bialostockie, Svisloch-Siemianowka, and Brest-Terespol. The Polish side promised to announce the reopening date for the checkpoints later.
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