Фото: podlaski.strazgraniczna.pl
Poland will coordinate its actions with Lithuania regarding the reopening of border crossings with Belarus, Deputy Interior and Administration Minister Czesław Mroczek said in an interview with RMF FM.
On Tuesday, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced plans to reopen the Kuźnica and Bobrowniki checkpoints in November. A day later, the Lithuanian government decided to close its border with Belarus until November 30, allowing only limited crossings for certain categories of people through the Medininkai checkpoint. Members of the Lithuanian government expressed hope that Poland would take coordinated measures.
“I also want to put the dot over the ‘i’ when it comes to cooperation with Lithuania and its requests. Prime Minister Tusk clearly stated in Białystok that we were ready to make a trial opening, to take these positive steps in relations with Belarus. We were prepared to open two crossings last week, but precisely because of what happened in Lithuania, and because of Lithuania’s statement, without any special consultations, we decided to act together and consistently on this issue,” he said.
According to Mroczek, Interior and Administration Minister Marcin Kierwiński had already discussed the matter with Lithuania’s deputy interior minister during a meeting of the Baltic Sea countries’ ministers in Gdańsk. A conversation between the Polish and Lithuanian interior ministers is expected to take place today, followed by discussions at the level of prime ministers.
Mroczek assured that the Border Guard and customs officials are ready for the reopening of the checkpoints.
“Of course, we are maintaining these crossings in proper condition and are ready to send staff back there, especially from the National Revenue Administration and the Border Guard. We can carry out this operation within several dozen hours or a few days,” he said.