Yesterday, Foreign Minister Eva-Maria Liimets and Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis discussed the migratory pressure on Lithuania caused by Belarus, and talked about potential sanctions on organisers of trafficking in human beings. The minister also discussed the situation and further steps with the European Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson.
“Right now, the priority is to stop the flow of migrants arriving in Lithuania without legal grounds, and cooperate on all levels to improve repatriation. The countries of departure for irregular migration must be made aware that their citizens are being used for political aims. Stopping the situation that has developed is without a doubt in the interests of all parties,” Foreign Minister Eva-Maria Liimets said. “Using migratory pressure and trafficking in human beings as a political lever and cynically taking advantage of ordinary people, often in violation of human rights, must stop,” she added.
The foreign minister said the pressure exerted by Belarus on the external border of the European Union was unacceptable. “We stand in solidarity with Lithuania and our position is that Europe as a whole needs to do more to help secure the external border of the European Union. The European Union also needs to use all measures against those responsible for trafficking in human beings that would contribute to the resolution of the situation, including discussing the possibility of sanctions,” Liimets said.
The Estonian foreign minister also plans to discuss the situation on the Lithuanian border with the foreign ministers of Finland, Turkey and Iraq.
Additional information:
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Communication Department
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