Lithuanian Prime Minister Addresses Concerns Over Foreign Policy Divergence,Estonia Pledges Solidarity Amidst Balloon Smuggling
Tallinn,Estonia – During a press conference in Tallinn,Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė addressed questions regarding a recent meeting between Lithuanian MP Darius Žemaitaitis and Hungarian Foreign minister Péter Szijjártó,and reaffirmed the government’s core priorities.
Šimonytė stated, ”For today, the defense of our country is undoubtedly important (…),support for Ukraine,integrating into the European Union (EU) and becoming a full-fledged member,is undoubtedly important.And we declare that clearly. All other interpretations are individual statements that have no connection with the main work of the Government.”
Žemaitaitis, leader of the “Aušriečių” faction, stated he thanked the Hungarian Foreign Minister for Hungary’s contribution to the NATO air policing mission in the Baltic states and discussed other relevant issues. He also indicated he wasn’t concerned about criticism from opponents regarding the meeting with szijjártó, who is considered a controversial figure.
The Lithuanian Presidency,however,has critically assessed the meeting,asserting that Žemaitaitis is attempting to forge an independent foreign policy path.
The press conference also saw strong expressions of solidarity from Estonia regarding a recent hybrid attack targeting Lithuania. Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas affirmed her country’s full support for Lithuania in the face of smuggled meteorological balloons originating from Belarus.
“Estonia does not hesitate to stand shoulder to shoulder with Lithuania when (meteorological air) balloons are sent from Belarus to the countries of the European Union and NATO.This is a hybrid attack. We fully support you in taking decisive steps against the Belarusian regime. At the same time, we also support the democratic forces of Belarus,” Kallas stated, as relayed by Prime Minister Šimonytė.
the situation involving the balloons, which began in October, has disrupted airport operations due to the contraband they carry. in response, the Lithuanian government decided on October 30th to close the Medininkai and Šalčininkai border checkpoints with belarus until November 30th. Traffic through Šalčininkai has been completely halted, while activity at Medininkai is limited to specific exceptions.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko signed a decree in late October prohibiting the use of trucks and tractors registered in several EU countries, including Lithuania and Poland, within Belarusian territory. poland, in turn, intends to reopen two border checkpoints with Belarus on monday, November 27th, in an effort to resume the flow of goods, according to reports from “TVP World.”
