Cole: Lukashenka agreed to stop launching balloons towards Lithuania
As reported to Reuters by John Cole, US President Donald Trump's special envoy to Belarus, Alexander Lukashenka promised to do everything possible to stop meteorological balloon flights from the territory of Belarus into Lithuania. Cole made this statement in Vilnius after concluding talks with Lukashenka and following the release of 123 political prisoners by his regime.
John Cole in Minsk. Photo: BelTA
According to Cole, he was impressed by the sincerity of Lukashenka's intentions to resolve the situation. The official noted that Lukashenka allegedly wants normal relations with his neighbors and assured him of his readiness for cooperation.
"Recently, he agreed to do everything possible to stop the launching of air balloons," said John Cole.
Cole also added that Lithuania is doing everything possible to combat those who receive smuggled goods, and now both sides are working to resolve the problem.
Air balloons launched from Belarus, which are used by smugglers to transport cigarettes, have repeatedly caused the temporary closure of Vilnius airport in recent months — such situations have occurred almost two dozen times already.
Lithuania accuses the Belarusian authorities of a hybrid attack, claiming that they are facilitating smuggling. Because of this, a state of emergency was introduced in the country, and Parliament was proposed to allow the involvement of military personnel to assist police and border guards.
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Коул бы поинтересовался этим, а то выглядит паскудно, шчыры торгует людскими жизнями, судьбами Беларусов, отбирая жизни и ломая судьбы, и благодаря этой торговле уходит от ответа за свои преступления против Беларусов и Белпруси.