S. Skvernelis: If Belarus closes its borders, Lithuania would respond in the same way

Complemented by a comment from the Minister of the Interior.

“It just came to our attention then. We are already seeing a series of loud statements emanating from that country, apparently aimed primarily at national politicians. If there is any step on their part (Belarusian regime – VZ), then there will be an adequate response from our part, “Prime Minister S. Skvernelis told reporters in Kaunas.

“In any case, I have repeatedly mentioned that the decisions being made affect the Belarusian economy and its people first,” Skvernel added.

Asked by LRT what would be the proper response from Lithuania, the Prime Minister said that “trucks cannot travel from Belarus or through Lithuania or Poland. That would be another blow to an economy that is already seriously ill. “

At that time, Lithuanian companies working with the eastern market, according to him, are aware of the risks and have diversified them.

“Yes, there would be some comments, apparently for individual sectors, for some more, for others less. But this would not be a significant and very important blow for us,” he said.

The prime minister claimed that Lukashenko was trying to send another message to Belarusian society that the West was “the greatest enemy”.

In this way, an attempt is being made to re-hang money for Belarusian society on the alleged enemies, the NATO countries, which are firearms and equally harmful to Belarus. In fact, we are not interfering in internal affairs, but we have clearly expressed our position: there must be democratic elections in that country and the people of Belarus themselves, only the people, decide what kind of government they have and in which direction the state goes ” Skvernel emphasized.

There are no changes on the border with Belarus on Friday afternoon, traffic is normal, Interior Minister Rita Tamašunienė told BNS.

“According to the latest data, our State Border Guard Service does not notice any changes, all teams are informed, they try to obtain information through their channels, but so far everything is going at the usual pace, both the transport and the citizens who they can cross the border – they arrive, “he said. R. Tamašunienė.

According to her, Belarusian citizens who have applied to be admitted to Lithuania for humanitarian purposes are also arriving unhindered.

Belarusian border guards: border crossings work

Belarus’ state border protection has been strengthened, border crossings are working, the country’s State Committee of the Border Guard said on Friday. According to the Belarusian border guards, all measures are taken “taking into account the situation in each specific direction”.

“Protection of the state border of the Republic of Belarus is carried out with an improved version of the border service and border control, using tactical reserves,” said Anton Bychkovsky, representative of the Belarusian State Border Committee.

“At crossings, entry and exit are formed with capacity in mind. All measures are applied taking into account the situation in each specific direction, “added A. Bychovskis.

On Thursday, the illegitimate President of Belarus, Aliaksandr Lukashenko, said that Belarus was closing its border with the West, mainly with Lithuania and Poland, and strengthening security on the state border with Ukraine, and said it would send “half the army” to strengthen the protection of the western border.

On Friday, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Linas Linkevičius called A. Lukashenko’s statements on closing the border and strengthening protection inappropriate.

He warned that when a neighboring country’s economy is “on the verge of bankruptcy,” all similar steps must be taken in a measured and responsible manner, as it can turn against itself.

Rustam Liubayev, head of the State Border Guard Service, told BNS on Friday morning that cross-border traffic with Belarus was still normal.

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