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In both Lithuania and Belarus, the Ambassador is appointed by the President. A diplomat who receives the credentials of the head of his country and goes to work abroad must present the letters to the head of that country.
When it comes time to exchange Lithuanian ambassador to Belarus, it seems difficult for Chancellor Linas Linkevičius to present credentials to Lukashenko.
To call it all, if not war, then confrontation is boldly possible.
“There would be no legal, political and moral logic to deliver letters to a leader who has no authority.” 15 minutes The Lithuanian head of diplomacy said in a broadcast on Thursday.
So who should the new ambassador introduce himself to?
“It just came to our notice then. Should we pause the shipping process, or … I find it difficult to say now,” the minister said.
According to him, a similar question arises as to whether Lithuania will recognize the new designated ambassador for A. Lukashenko in Vilnius in the future.
“It would be the same if a new representative from Belarus arrived in the country with letters signed by a president who has no authority. In my opinion, I could not deliver those letters, “said L. Linkevičius.
Confrontation
Belarus summoned its ambassador to Lithuania for consultations last week, and Vilnius made that decision on Monday, summoning the Minsk ambassador.
At the same time, Belarus has demanded that Lithuania reduce the number of staff in the embassy in Minsk, whose last day is this Friday.
“If you can call everything, if not war, then the confrontation is bold,” said L. Linkevičius.
According to him, Lithuania seeks to keep diplomatic representation in Minsk as wide as possible, as it wants to closely monitor events in the country and communicate with civil society.
Although Lithuania does not recognize the current government of Belarus, it is also necessary to speak with him, says the minister.
Photo by Lukas Balandi / 15min / Linas Linkevičius
“This is de facto Leadership, in fact, runs the country, runs the power structures, and much more. Furthermore, economic ties have not been severed. So there is something to do here, really, ”he said.
According to L. Linkevičius, if Belarus does not withdraw from the requirement that Lithuania reduce the number of diplomats, Vilnius will do the same.
We need to go back to Russia
Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Cichanouskaya has recently received more attention from major EU capitals: she recently met with French leader Emmanuel Macron in Vilnius and Berlin with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin.
L. Linkevičius stated that the Belarusian requests the mediation of the main states in search of dialogue so that free elections can be held in Belarus.
However, the minister argued that there is not much hope for a dialogue with the Belarusian government, which refuses to speak at any level.
“It would make sense to have a dialogue with those countries that have great influence. I would especially highlight Russia here,” said the Lithuanian head of diplomacy.
Reuters / Photo by Scanpix / Sviatlana Cichanouskaya in Berlin
According to him, the international community needs to find arguments to persuade Russia to accept free elections in Belarus.
According to the minister, Russia should face both tensions and threats of support from the leaders of the compromised country, and a fair election should not intimidate, because the Belarusian opposition does not declare pro-Western aspirations.
“This (election) is not an anti-Russian action, it is not a bad option,” Linkevičius said.
You can see the full conversation with the Minister here:
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