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Belarus’ MFA comments on closure of checkpoints by Lithuania

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MINSK, 21 August (BelTA) – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus has commented on Lithuania’s decision to close two checkpoints on the border with Belarus, BelTA informs.

“The Lithuanian side has used far-fetched pretexts to suspend the operation of Šumskas/Losha and Tverečius/Vidzy road checkpoints. This decision is politically motivated and seeks to create obstacles for Lithuanian citizens, including those who regularly visit Belarus using the visa waiver. Vilnius has long been trying to prevent Lithuanians from traveling to our country, but to no avail. It makes up non-existent threats in the spirit of the Cold War with one goal in mind - to hide the inconvenient truth about the situation in Belarus, which contrasts sharply with Western propaganda and the situation in Lithuania itself,” the ministry said.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that in the run-up to the presidential election, the authorities of the neighboring state are seriously concerned that their citizens can see with their own eyes that it is safe and comfortable in Belarus, that despite the illegal sanctions, enterprises are working, the economy is growing, healthcare remains affordable and of high-quality, and a wide choice of goods and food products is available.

“Belarus will respond to this move in a calm, responsible and pragmatic way, taking into consideration the interests of residents of the neighboring countries. There are no plans so far to amend the visa waiver program because of the increased workload on the remaining checkpoints. We urge the Lithuanian side to stop creating artificial barriers for people and businesses from Belarus and Lithuania, as well as from the European Union as a whole,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized.

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