The Belarusian Association of International Road Carriers (BAMAP) has approached the leadership of the Lithuanian hauliers’ association Linava with a proposal for direct dialogue. Belarusian carriers suggest jointly developing recommendations for the governments of Belarus and Lithuania to resolve the crisis.
BAMAP notes that Belarusian carriers, like their Lithuanian counterparts, are suffering significant economic losses due to the situation at the border.
“In view of the fact that the continued application of the introduced restrictions may cause irreparable damage to the transport sectors of both our countries, the Association BAMAP has approached the leadership of the Association LINAVA with a proposal to start a direct dialogue between the associations with the aim of developing joint proposals for our governments for the earliest possible resolution not only of the current crisis, but also for the restoration of full operations at all crossing points on the Belarus–Lithuania border, and for the creation of stable conditions for international transport in accordance with business needs and economic logic,” BAMAP said.
Lithuania closed its border with Belarus until 30 November due to meteorological balloons that disrupted airport operations. Entry into Lithuania was permitted only for certain categories of people through the Miedininkai checkpoint. Hundreds of Lithuanian trucks became stranded in Belarus. The Belarusian government prohibited them from leaving the country through Poland or Latvia. At the request of the Belarusian authorities, all trucks were sent to paid parking areas near the border.
Lithuania sought the opening of a corridor for its trucks. Belarus says the conflict requires a political and diplomatic solution and proposes negotiations at the level of the foreign ministries of the two countries. At the same time, Belarus postponed a technical meeting of deputy heads of the border agencies.