Lithuanian Government Closes Border With Belarus for a Month, Exceptions to Remain
The Lithuanian government has decided to close its border with Belarus for one month. The decision will remain in effect until November 30, after which the cabinet will consider whether to extend or lift it.
The Šalčininkai checkpoint (Benjakoni on the Belarusian side) will be completely closed. The Medininkai crossing (Kamenny Log) will continue to operate with restrictions.
“Its operation will allow passage for diplomats, individuals in Kaliningrad transit, citizens returning to Lithuania, citizens of the EU and NATO countries and their family members, as well as holders of Lithuanian residence permits. The possibility of issuing humanitarian passes will also remain; decisions on these will be taken by the State Border Guard Service,” said Interior Minister Vladislav Kondratovič.
According to BNS, individuals holding humanitarian visas will also be permitted to cross at this checkpoint.
“These changes are meant to send a real signal to our, as we see today, not very friendly neighbour, who is making no effort to address the problem. Their inaction means they are, in effect, participating in this activity together,” he added.
Last week, Vilnius Airport suspended operations four times because of weather balloons flying in from Belarusian territory. On three occasions, Lithuania temporarily suspended operations of two border checkpoints at night. On the fourth occasion, on Sunday evening, it announced that the checkpoint operations were suspended indefinitely. After a National Security Commission meeting on Monday, it was announced that the government would make a decision on Wednesday. Meanwhile, operations at Medininkai resumed under the stated restrictions.
“Today Lithuania is facing a hybrid attack, and we must call things by their proper names,” said Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė.