Strong protest over the ongoing hybrid attacks and detaining of carriers' property expressed to the Belarusian representative
On 9 December, a diplomatic note of protest over the ongoing hybrid attacks from the territory of Belarus and the forcible detention of property of EU citizens and companies was handed to the chargé d'affaires of the Embassy of the Republic of Belarus, who was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania. The Belarusian side was once again strongly urged to ensure effective control of its airspace and to return illegally seized assets belonging to European citizens and companies.
The MFA expressed regret that the Belarusian side did not seize the opportunity to exchange views at a technical level, an offer Belarus had repeatedly made, calling for a discussion of issues both publicly and through diplomatic channels. Lithuania was prepared for such a discussion at the Ministerial Council meeting of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in Vienna on 4 December, when the Finnish OSCE Presidency offered to mediate. Unfortunately, the Belarusian side refused, arguing that it was not satisfied with the level of diplomacy of the meeting proposed by Lithuania – the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania had appointed an Ambassador-at-Large as a special envoy for border issues.
At the meeting, it was noted that Lithuania remains ready to engage in constructive dialogue on the issues raised. However, the unequivocal refusal of the Belarusian side, despite its own initial and subsequent calls, demonstrates a simple unwillingness to cooperate in addressing problematic issues and a clear lack of goodwill.
At the same time, the MFA recalled the EU’s Council Conclusions on Belarus adopted on October 12, 2020, that were reiterated in 2024, listing the conditions for renewed engagement in political dialogue, sectoral cooperation and financial assistance to Belarus, including:
- a) End human rights violations and repression against persons engaged in the pro-democracy movement, independent media and representatives of the civil society;
- b) Releasing, rehabilitating, and financially compensating political prisoners;
- c) Providing safe conditions for the return of those in political and forced exile;
- d) Promoting an inclusive political process leading to free, and fair elections under international observation;
- e) Ensuring guarantees for the respect of human rights, including freedom of opinion and expression, freedom of information, assembly and association, and freedom of the media.
The MFA expects that the Belarusian government, which is seeking high-level contacts, will take steps to address the above-mentioned conditions.
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