Linas Linkevičius: Political prisoners remain a problem preventing us to make a step forward

Lithuanian Foreign Minister made this statement during the conference "Regional stability and modernization: Challenges and Opportunities in the relations between Belarus and the EU" in Vilnius.

The event attracts politicians, experts from Belarus, Lithuania and Germany and continued in Minsk on December 2. According to the webpage of the United Civil Party, Linas Linkevičius, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, opened a conference.

"The European Union is ready to cooperate with the Belarusian authorities, but not at the expense of democratic values. The question of political prisoners remains a problem that prevents to make a step forward “– Linas Linkevičius said.

However, earlier this year Linas Linkevičius made an unexpected statement, saying that “it is time to reassess dialogue and relations” between Lithuania and Belarus.

Let us recall that “EuroBelarus” Information Service earlier informed that this July Linas Linkevičius was on a two-day working visit to Belarus, during which he met with Belarus Prime Minister Mikhail Miasnikovich, Belarusian government, and the representatives of Belarusan political parties, civil society, and relatives of political prisoners. The visit took place a day after Belarusian Foreign Minister Uladzimir Makei visited Brussels, which arose rumors about another “European thaw” brought by Lithuanian minister.