Lithuanian Foreign Minister: Blocking Of Charter-97 Cracks Down On Freedom Of Speech

In the relations between Lithuania and Belarus there are issues that hinder pragmatic cooperation.

Lithuanian Foreign Minister Linas Linkeviсius said this in an exclusive interview with Charter97.org.

– How is diplomatic relations between Lithuania and Belarus developing today?

– I would call Minsk-Vilnius relations pragmatic, but, of course, depending on what issue. Our position on the nuclear power plant in Astravets remains sharply negative. We acquainted both our regional partners and the European Union with the arguments on this issue. In all other areas, such as transport and logistics, transportation of goods through our ports – everything here has pragmatic background.

– Nevertheless, not long ago, Belarus presented a note to the Lithuanian Ambassador in connection with the published information on alleged problems with the disposal of radioactive waste at the Ignalina nuclear power plant.

– There was not really an incident there. The Belarusian side is trying to demonstrate that we have the same problems when closing the nuclear power plant in Ignalina, as they have when building the nuclear power plant in Astravets. So what? Not a problem. We found out everything, explained that there were no incidents. Unlike the Belarusian side, about which we receive information that there are violations and problems during the construction of the nuclear power plant in Astravets.

– Can there be more such attempts to talk round real problem from Minsk?

– Depends on what kind of tactics they (in Minsk - Ed.) will adhere to following the will of the Kremlin, building this nuclear power plant in Astravets. The nuclear power plant in Astravets is Russian money and technology, plus the desire to export energy to the West, but neither Lithuania nor Poland will import it.

Such a large-scale and costly project as an NPP is pushing Belarus further into the arms of the Kremlin, depriving Minsk of independence. Lithuania has nothing against Belarus, moreover, the economic well-being and prosperity of this country is important to us.

– A few months ago, the Belarusian authorities blocked our site Charter97.org, limiting the right of our citizens to information.

- Personally, I'm very sad that Minsk decided to crack down on freedom of speech. My department has already spoken on this issue, and moreover, we responded accordingly. We treat this activity of Belarus negatively, we try our best to declare our attitude.