Lithuanian parliament overrides president’s veto on milder sanctions for Belarusians

April 20, BPN. The Lithuanian Seimas has voted 99 to seven, with two abstentions, to override the president’s veto of a bill outlining new restrictions against nationals of Belarus and Russia.

The bill that passed the parliament on April 4 would suspend the acceptance of visa applications from Russians and Belarusians, except those cleared by the Lithuanian foreign ministry.

It would make Russians ineligible for temporary residence permits, unlike Belarusians.

It would also prohibit Russian nationals and companies from purchasing real estate. This provision would not apply to Belarusians or their companies.

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda vetoed the bill on April 14, suggesting that the Seimas “should fully apply all seven restrictive measures to the nationals of Belarus and Russia.”