Belarus to retaliate for Lithuania border crossings closure – foreign ministry
February 22, Pozirk. Minsk has pledged a strong reaction to the upcoming closure of two border checkpoints by Lithuania, calling the move “extremely hostile.”
“These manipulations have one goal: to artificially present Belarus as an enemy, covering up their own economic miscalculations, the destruction of the transport industry, mindless arms race and violence against migrants at the border,” the Belarusian foreign ministry said.
“The increasing flow of their own citizens visiting Belarus visa-free and telling the truth about our country also remains extremely uncomfortable for the Lithuanian authorities,” it added.
It called on Vilnius to stop misinforming citizens and violating the rights to freedom of movement and trade.
The Lithuanian government is to close the Lavoriškės and Raigardas on March 1, after shutting down two other crossings last year. Only two crossings will remain open at the shared border.
Vilnius also plans to restrict the boarding and offboarding of passengers at the Kena railway border crossing, suspend the movement of pedestrians and cyclists through the Medininkai and Šalčininkai checkpoints and gradually reduce the number of permits issued to Belarusian and Lithuanian carriers operating interstate passenger bus services.
Lithuanian officials cited national security, smuggling and international sanctions compliance as the reason.
Lithuania to close two crossings at border with Belarus next week
February 21, Pozirk. The Lithuanian government has decided to close the Lavoriškės and Raigardas crossings at the border with Belarus on March 1, LRT reported. Only two of six checkpoints, Medininkai and Šalčininkai, will remain operational at the shared border. …