{"id":194756,"date":"2026-07-07T14:10:27","date_gmt":"2026-07-07T11:10:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pozirk.online\/en\/news\/194756\/"},"modified":"2026-07-07T14:10:30","modified_gmt":"2026-07-07T11:10:30","slug":"seimas-speaker-links-easing-belarus-sanctions-to-democratic-change","status":"publish","type":"articles","link":"https:\/\/pozirk.online\/en\/news\/194756\/","title":{"rendered":"Seimas speaker links easing Belarus sanctions to democratic change"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

July 7, Pozirk.<\/em> <\/strong>Discussions on easing sanctions against Belarus can only take place after democratic change occurs in the country, Lithuanian Seimas Speaker Juozas Olekas told journalists, commenting on the new government\u2019s program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Olekas said he did not see any signs that the government may change its positions, LRT<\/em> reported, citing BNS<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lithuanians would like to have democratic neighbors with whom they could maintain closer contacts, especially considering shared historical legacy and potential economic benefits, yet there are no indications that Belarus is transforming, he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Olekas\u2019s remarks came ahead of the presentation of the priorities of Lithuania\u2019s new government, led by Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevi\u010dius, to the Seimas. His program differs in some respects from the previous government\u2019s approach, which described the Belarusian regime as a threat to Lithuania and pledged to maintain Minsk\u2019s international isolation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Sinkevi\u010dius government\u2019s program takes a more conditional approach, noting that isolation and pressure would be intensified if Belarus continues supporting Russia\u2019s war against Ukraine or carries out hybrid attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While the previous cabinet focused on ensuring democratic elections in Belarus under the supervision of the international community, the Sinkevi\u010dius government makes no mention of this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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