The United Transitional Cabinet (UTC) is calling for the preservation and expansion of opportunities for Belarusians to cross the European Union’s borders. The statement came from the UTC spokesperson in response to Lithuania’s decision to close its border with Belarus.
“The Lukashenka regime continues its hybrid aggression against neighboring states. It is the regime itself that causes complications and restrictions in interpersonal contacts between Belarusians and citizens of EU member states.
Lithuania’s decision to protect its own national interests and the security of its society is a logical step and a response to the Lukashenka regime’s deliberate violations of international obligations.
These actions by the official Minsk, aimed at destabilizing the border situation and using airspace for smuggling goods into neighboring countries, have led to the closure of airports in Lithuania, causing both moral and financial harm to thousands of passengers and carriers,” the spokesperson said.
The United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus expressed understanding for the Lithuanian government’s decision. At the same time, it called for the preservation and expansion of opportunities for Belarusians to cross EU borders. The UTC also “advocates economic pressure on the Lukashenka regime in order to compel it to change its repressive domestic and aggressive foreign policies.”
“The UTC once again emphasizes that full responsibility for the situation at Belarus’s borders with EU countries lies solely with the Lukashenka regime and its security services,” the statement said.
The UTC will continue communication with EU representatives to advocate for Belarusians’ rights, particularly to maintain mobility. It will also continue cooperation with international partners to pressure Lukashenka to change his policies toward Belarusians, end hybrid aggression against the EU, and stop supporting Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.
“The Belarusian people are not the Lukashenka regime, and they deserve freedom and mobility,” the UTC spokesperson added.