Landsbergis on the decision to transfer Tsikhanouskaya's security to the police: This benefits Lukashenka
In his opinion, this could be an attempt to encourage the Belarusian opposition leader to leave Lithuania.
Photo: OST
After the Lithuanian police took over Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya's security from the Head of State Security Service, former Minister of Foreign Affairs Gabrielius Landsbergis stated that he was surprised by Lithuania's decision. In his opinion, this could be an attempt to encourage the Belarusian opposition leader to leave Lithuania, LRT reports.
«We need to look at the real situation. It is obvious that Sviatlana is inconvenient for the regime, and you probably remember how many times the then head of the State Security Department, Jauniškis, warned about how many agents connected with the regime and active in Lithuania logically pose a threat to Sviatlana and her activities in Lithuania. That is why security was necessary,» G. Landsbergis told ELTA agency on Friday.
«The circumstances have not changed at all. In fact, I even see that the situation is deteriorating further. So much so that I am constantly surprised by such decisions, regardless of whether there is some deeper motive behind them, such as an attempt to convince Sviatlana to leave Lithuania,» he continued.
According to G. Landsbergis, Tsikhanouskaya will make such a decision after assessing how safe it is for her to be in Lithuania.
«She must assess the security situation — whether it is safe for her to be in Lithuania or not. But the government's decisions, first and foremost, benefit Lukashenka,» the former foreign minister emphasized.
In his opinion, such a decision will harm Lithuania's image on the international arena, as the state may cease to be perceived as a reliable partner.
«Certainly, this is very significant damage. In any case, it is a matter of image. In a sense, we are perceived as those who took on the obligation to help people, and now refuse this obligation. We do not create the image of a reliable partner,» G. Landsbergis concluded.
As reported earlier, on Friday, Police Department representative Ramūnas Matonis confirmed that police officers would soon take over the security of the Belarusian leader. Until now, she was guarded by the Security Service.
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