Фото: Литовская железная дорога
Lithuania’s Minister of Transport and Communications Juras Taminskas believes the issue of Belarusian potash fertilizer transit is not worth discussing while EU sanctions remain in force. He made the remarks in an interview with Žinių radijas when asked what position Lithuania should take on the matter.
“We have many problems and a lot of work in our country. Every day we waste time discussing things that do not need to be discussed,” he said.
“European sanctions are in force. They remain in effect until February next year. Last year, when Belarusian fertilizers were being discussed, I said I was 100% certain that the sanctions would be extended and that there was no point in speculating. That proved to be the case regarding fertilizer transportation. The sanctions have been extended and are now in force, and this is not even worth discussing.
Time is being wasted, and time is our most valuable resource. So let us devote that time to work. Let us devote it to what needs to be done every day, to the issues we need to address here and now, rather than sitting around talking about things that are not even worth discussing,” he said.
Responding to a follow-up question about letters from U.S. President’s special envoy John Coale proposing the reopening of transit, the Lithuanian transport minister said he had not faced any pressure.
“For the record, I have not received any letters. Therefore, if others have received letters or are experiencing pressure, they should speak out and explain who it is and who is exerting that pressure. Personally, I have not received any letters, phone calls or any other form of pressure,” he said.