Lithuanian Foreign Minister calls on international world community to respond to Lukashenko’s election in Belarus
Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kyastutis Budris called on the international community to react to the presidential “elections” in Belarus scheduled for January 26, 2025, organized by the regime of Oleksandr Lukashenka. The statement of the Lithuanian minister is cited LRT. It sounded after his meeting with the leader of the Belarusian opposition, Svitlana Tykhanouskaya, as reported by the Lithuanian publication LRT, which is referred to by “European Truth”.
Budris emphasized that these elections are only a formality for the re-election of Lukashenka, and emphasized the need for a decisive international response to this event. He called for the continuation of the policy of sanctions against the Belarusian regime, as well as for strengthening support for democratic forces in the country.
The minister noted that Lithuania, guided by the interests of its national security, seeks to see Belarus as a democratic and peaceful state. Budris assured that the Lithuanian government will continue to support Belarusian opposition forces fighting for democratic changes.
The head of the Foreign Ministry noted that Lithuania had already raised the issue of the situation in Belarus at the meeting of the EU Council on Foreign Affairs in Brussels. This issue will be brought up for discussion again in January. Budris emphasized that the world should openly talk about Lukashenka’s repression against the Belarusian people, his support for Russian aggression against Ukraine, as well as Belarus’ partnership relations with countries such as China, Iran and North Korea.
The minister also reported that the Lithuanian government proposed to the Seimas to extend national sanctions against citizens of Belarus and Russia for another year. This decision is part of Lithuania’s strategy to put pressure on regimes that support the Kremlin’s aggressive policies and violate human rights.
