Petras Austrevicius: Lukashenka's Invitation To Brussels Is Fatal Mistake

The Lithuanian MEP has criticized harshly the EU's contacts with the Belarusian dictator.

Lithuanian deputy Petras Austrevicius, speaking at the debate in the European Parliament, called Lukashenka's invitation to the Eastern Partnership summit a fatal mistake.

"The summit in Brussels collapses. My concern is getting worse, because the principles, unanimously proclaimed in Riga (at the Riga Summit in 2015 – Ed.), are now being blurred due to participation in the summit of Aliaksandr Lukashenka – the longest-serving dictator in Europe. As before, I am absolutely sure that this invitation is a fatal mistake," – the deputy said.

Petras Austrevicius has also emphasized on his Twitter that the Belarusian opposition represented by Uladzimir Niakliayeu and Mikalai Statkevich appealed to the European Union through the deputy in regards to the invitation of Lukashenka to the summit.

"They believe the EU decision to invite Aliaksandr Lukashenka to Brussels is the legitimation of his repressive policy," – Austrevicius wrote.