[ad_1]
“It was a state sponsored terrorist act aimed at detaining opposition journalist Romanas Protasevičius and his girlfriend,” the Lithuanian president told CNN.
“We must not only condemn this, but also ensure that (the regime) pays the highest economic and political price,” added G. Nausėda.
He said that Belarus is an economically weak country, completely dependent on Russia financially and energetically.
“We have to keep up the pressure not only on Belarus and Russia, because Russia supports this regime in many cases,” said G. Nausėda.
The Lithuanian president confirmed the information published by the media that the email about the alleged bomb came after Minsk officials ordered the plane to land.
A CNN journalist also asked the president if the flight restrictions imposed by the European Union would not hold the regime hostage to all of Belarusian society.
Mr. Nausėda said he understood the concern, but stressed that the EU had to move from declarations to real solutions that would have an economic and political impact.
“Banning Belarusian airlines from entering EU airspace is a very painful decision. To declare that Belarusian airspace is unsafe for EU aircraft is also painful, as these flights bring revenue to the regime. It is a financial and economic instrument ”, he said.
According to G. Nausėda, sanctions should also be imposed on Belarusian state-owned companies.
When asked what he expects from US President Joe Biden’s upcoming meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, Nausėda responded while waiting for the question of the Belarusian regime to be raised.
“President Biden should speak with President Putin about the prospects of the Belarusian regime and keep the pressure on Belarus and Russia to find a solution for Belarus,” Nauseda said.
The presidents of the United States and Russia will meet for the first talks on June 16 in Geneva.
[ad_2]
