Events with balloons
Due to the expanding usage of smuggling balloons, which from the territory of Belarus violate the Lithuanian airspace, Poland and Latvia declare their readiness to discuss a possible joint closure of borders with Belarus.
Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Rugiene reported that the leaders of both states assured her of their openness to negociate if necessary. At the same time, she pointed out that the situation had not yet reached a phase requiring specified action, but at the time of its occurrence a gathering of Prime Ministers was planned to be convened to coordinate a joint response. She besides added that the European Commission has shown an active interest in developments.
It is worth recalling that Lithuania decided to close the border with Belarus at the end of October, due to expanding incidents with balloons. A week ago, however, the Lithuanian Government decided to reopen it, considering that the current safety situation no longer requires specified a restrictive measure.
Sanctions
In the current circumstances, the Lithuanian Ministry of abroad Affairs is examining the anticipation of introducing, inter alia, national sanctions. Lithuania's Head of Diplomacy Kestutis Budrys reported on Wednesday that this subject would be discussed at the gathering of the National safety Committee scheduled for Thursday.
As a consequence of the activities of smuggling balloons, Vilnius airport was closed 9 times in October and November, and a akin situation besides occurred erstwhile in Kaunas. Interrupts in the operation of the airports affected about 250 air services and affected nearly 36,000 passengers.
