The Baltic Course: Lithuanian open to Belarusians and seeks more open EU for them too

On 13 May during a discussion that was organized by the Parliamentary Forum of the Community of Democracies at the Lithuanian Seimas (Parliament), Minister of Foreign Affairs Audronius Azubalis confirmed that Lithuania aimed to facilitate the travelling of Belarusian citizens to the EU at the European Union level and supported civil society in Belarus, informed BC the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry.

"Lithuania consistently speaks up in favor of two parallel policies towards Belarus: measures targeting persons who are responsible for falsifying the elections, use of force against civil society, and the opening up for ordinary citizens of Belarus," the Minister said. The Minister acquainted the participants of the discussion with Lithuania's efforts to ensure the opening of the community to Belarusians at the EU level, and with his own initiative to change the Law on Consular Fees, so that national long-stay visas would be issued for Belarusian citizens free of charge. According to the Minister, this bill should be soon considered by the Seimas (Parliament). According to Minister Azubalis, Lithuania regards Belarus and its people with special attention and sympathy, and has always been open to them.

"Belarusia's intellectuals, scientists, artists and people of different professions lived and worked in Vilnius, and dreamed of an independent and democratic Belarus. Support to Belarusian civil society remains our policy's moral imperative. It is no coincidence that the European Humanities University was set up in Vilnius, where it has been fruitful and successful," the Minister said.

The Minister also stressed that the representation of Belarusian civil and political society – the House of United Belarus – should soon open in Vilnius, aiming to join efforts of Belarusian civil and political society for to create a democratic future for Belarus.

Minister Azubalis expressed concern over deteriorating human rights situation in the neighboring country and stressed that Lithuania viewed the processes in Belarus not only as a neighbor, but also as the Cairman of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).

Head of the Lithuanian diplomacy also voiced concern about the determination of Belarus to construct a nuclear power plant near Vilnius.

"We hope that the leadership of Belarus will bear in mind a legitimate and reasonable interest of a friendly neighboring country to live in a safe environment. The voice of Belarusian society is also required for this," Minister Azubalis said.

Established on 12 March 2010 in Vilnius, the Parliamentary Forum of the Community of Democracies joins European, North American, African and Asian politicians, who are prepared to strengthen democratic traditions in their own countries and around the world. The forum aims to promote interparliamentary cooperation and strengthen parliaments in democratizing countries, to share experience and best practices with parliamentarians and supporters of democracy from the member countries of the Community of Democracies or countries where the Community is engaged in democratization efforts.

The Community of Democracies, which is currently chaired by Lithuania, is an intergovernmental structure with an aim to enhance and deepen democratic norms and practices worldwide.

Petras Vaida, The Baltic Course