Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk confirmed the opening of two crossings on the border with Belarus, responding to journalists during a press conference in Retków. He stressed that this is an independent decision by the Polish government and is not connected to any political negotiations with Minsk. The Polish prime minister also expressed regret that efforts to secure the release of Andrzej Poczobut and other Poles imprisoned in Belarus have so far brought no results.
Poland’s Ministry of Interior and Administration has prepared a draft order to open the Kuźnica and Bobrowniki crossings on 17 November.
“This is not the opening of the border, but the opening of border crossings in connection with very concrete interests of our local population, entrepreneurs and residents. It is in no way part of any political negotiations or negotiations concerning a possible exchange of prisoners. This decision was independent and related to entirely understandable pressure from local residents. I am talking about the people of Podlasie, especially those living near the border, who already bear a very heavy burden related to Belarus’s aggressive policy on the border. I mean the organization of illegal migration and the general tension that accompanies people on this eastern flank every day.
We decided, together with Minister Kierwiński (Minister of the Interior and Administration) and Deputy Prime Minister Kosiniak-Kamysz (Minister of National Defence), that thanks to the physical barrier the border has become more secure, reducing the risk of illegal border crossings to an absolute minimum. The rate of detentions is almost 100% of those who attempt to cross the Polish border illegally. And this makes the border safe. Today, it is the safest and best-secured border in Europe — I am convinced of that. We have invested a lot of effort and resources in it. Thanks to the daily service of soldiers, border guards and police, this border has indeed become safe despite the circumstances.
That is why, after consulting with local authorities and businesses in Podlasie, I decided to open these border crossings. We will monitor whether this affects security. And yes, I confirm that at the beginning of next week, as I announced, these crossings will be opened,” he said.
When asked about Andrzej Poczobut, Tusk noted that in addition to the imprisoned journalist, there are several other people whose release Poland is seeking.
“We have been fighting for this for years. This is one of the first issues I focused on as prime minister: I looked into the possibility of securing the release of Andrzej Poczobut. This is very important to me for various reasons. So far, it has not produced results,” Tusk added.