Фото: Департамент госбезопасности Литвы
Lithuania’s State Security Department maintains its assessment of risks posed by Belarus. This was stated by State Security Department chief Remigijus Bridikis. According to him, decision-makers responsible for policy toward Minsk are being informed of these assessments.
“Of course, from the perspective of the services, we see major risks. We have informed our decision-makers about the existing risks and how broadly they can be exploited. That is what politicians and decision-makers are for. The question now is how we will manage them in the future if such decisions are taken. However, we cannot advise on how to act in one situation or another, because our duty is to show all aspects of the situation”, he said, commenting on the discussion about possible dialogue between Vilnius and Minsk, as reported by Delfi.
The head of the State Security Department stated that the Belarusian side continues to persecute Lithuanian citizens, conduct intelligence activities and attempt to influence Lithuania.
“One aspect is harming us, influencing us and manipulating the situation. Another goal is seeking relations with the West (…) Economic benefits in no way change the determination of the internal regime to act against us, together with Russia as well”, he added.
The issue was also raised today on Žinių radijas by the chief adviser to the Lithuanian president, Deividas Matulionis.
“Dialogue is being considered, dialogue exists in one form or another. At a lower political level, we are not ruling out the possibility of such dialogue. Accordingly, the other side must also show goodwill.
On the other hand, when we speak about dialogue, we must state very clearly: any specific contact or dialogue does not mean a change in our policy. At the moment, we truly have no reason to change our policy. Dialogue in itself is not something that would demonstrate that we are beginning to change our policy. There are no grounds for that”, he said.
It is worth recalling that Belarusian television earlier focused on comments by Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys, who said he would like to have good relations with Belarus. Reacting to this, Belarusian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ruslan Varankou again declared Belarus’ “full readiness for constructive dialogue”. According to him, Minsk is awaiting communication through the representative for interaction with Belarus who, according to media reports, has been appointed by Lithuania’s foreign ministry.