“The situation on the border between Belarus and the European Union and NATO is disconcertingly tense due to the actions of the Lukashenko regime,” said President Alar Karis today in a meeting with President Gitanas Nausėda of Lithuania and President Egils Levits of Latvia in Vilnius. “Lukashenko is playing with human lives, driving them towards the border and into a trap simply to sate his political ambitions.” The Baltic heads of state also met virtually with their Polish counterpart, President Andrzej Duda, to talk about the hybrid attack on the Belarusian-EU border.
“This year we celebrated the 30th anniversary of the restoration of independence in all three Baltic States,” President Karis added. “In the light of ongoing events, we can see that respect for democracy and human rights and that peace and stability in Europe still cannot be taken for granted. The situation is also a reminder to us that there are dictators in Europe who care nothing for human lives and suffering.”
The Estonian head of state said that he condemned the use of people in such a way in the strongest possible terms. “Human lives have been endangered by the Lukashenko regime for political purposes, to draw attention away from the human rights violations the regime is inflicting on its own citizens,” he stated. “It is important that Belarus provide those who have reached the country with sufficient care and protection and that those who have no legal basis for remaining there are able to return safely to their own countries.”
President Karis says he is gratified that negotiations with airlines and transit countries initiated by the European Union are showing positive signs of an end to contributing to Lukashenko’s inhumane activities. He stressed that it is important to continue with consultations within the European Union and NATO so as to be prepared to flexibly respond to developments in the situation.
During their meeting, the Baltic heads of state also discussed the increased presence of Russian armed forces close to the Ukrainian border. President Karis reiterated the Estonia supports Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
While in Vilnius, Presidents Karis, Nausėda and Levits signed a joint declaration on climate goals and sustainable development and made a joint statement on the events transpiring on the Belarusian-EU border. The statements are attached to this press release.
