Grybauskaite opposes sanctions against Belarus

The President of Lithuania, Dalia Grybauskaite, thinks economic sanctions on Belarus would only increase Russia’s influence.

“Politically and economically, it pushes Belarus towards Russia and out of Western dependency or any kind of Western influence at all,” the Lithuanian president said in an interview to AFP.

“It’s politically trendy to talk about sanctions, but unfortunately, results affect people,” she said.

The European Union extended sanctions on Minsk on Wednesday having added 21 judges, prosecutors and police officials to the list of people subject to an EU travel ban. They are considered to be responsible for the crackdown following mass protests after the 2010 presidential election.

The economic sanctions against Belarus may affect the export oil products and potash, which are transited via Lithuania filling the country’s budget.