Lithuania is holding talks with the United States on recognizing Belarus’ actions as terrorism, according to Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė.
Ruginienė said Lithuania had received confirmation that the U.S. will support Lithuania in its efforts to secure the return of Lithuanian trucks stranded in Belarus.
“I am glad that I have already communicated directly with the Americans, and I very much hope that in the near future a face-to-face meeting will take place. It seems to me we have much to discuss. (…) As of today, I have assurances that the Americans will help us. No one finds it acceptable that Belarus is holding our carriers’ vehicles hostage, that meteorological balloons from Belarus are flying toward our strategic facilities,” Ruginienė said, as quoted by Delfi.
“We are saying that these actions must be recognized as terrorism,” the Lithuanian prime minister added.
Ruginienė held a phone conversation with U.S. Special Envoy on Belarus John Coale and Deputy Assistant Secretary Christopher W. Smith on 2 December. She described it as an “important and constructive discussion on issues of regional security.”
Belarusian authorities continue to refuse to allow Lithuanian trucks to leave Belarus, demanding negotiations at the level of the Belarusian and Lithuanian foreign ministries. Meteorological balloons launched from Belarus also continue to enter Lithuanian airspace, forcing Vilnius Airport to temporarily close its airspace.
