Lithuania’s president vows to be ‘decisive’ in spats with China and Belarus
<p> MINSK, Aug 16 - PrimePress. Lithuania will stand firm and will not back down on disputes with Belarus and China, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda told the Financial Times. </p> <p> </p> <p> Gitanas Nauseda said that Lithuania, which borders both Russia and Belarus, had “complex neighbours in our long history” and learned how to deal with them. </p> <p> </p> <p> “Perhaps the most important message that can be sent to the Belarusian regime is that democracy is not weak. Democracy is strong, democracy is united, and democracy respects the rule of law. They shouldn’t count on our weaknesses. We’ll be decisive, “he added. </p> <p> </p> <p> In his words, Lithuania has experienced a “hybrid attack” by Belarus against the entire EU in recent weeks as Minsk sent more than 4,000 immigrants crossing the border, which Lithuanian Foreign Minister described as “weaponized migration” -mainly from Iraq. </p> <p> </p> <p> Besides, last week Lithuania became the first European Union country from which China recalled its ambassador. Beijing thus reacted to Lithuania’s decision to allow Taiwan to open a representative office in Vilnius. Global Times, a tabloid managed by China’s ruling Communist Party, wrote on Wednesday that China should cooperate with Russia and Belarus to “punish” Lithuania, delfi reports. </p> <p> </p> <p> Nauseda pointed out the “coincidence” that Lithuania faced simultaneous pressure from Belarus and China. He emphasized that Lithuania has supported one China policy since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1991. Nauseda added: “We also want to have a relationship with China based on the principle of mutual respect. Otherwise, the dialogue will turn into a one-sided final notice, an unacceptable requirement for international affairs.” </p> <p> </p> <p> Nauseda suggested that China would probably “reconsider and change the decision to recall the ambassador,” and that “Lithuania, as a sovereign independent state, is free to decide on a country or region to develop economic and cultural relations.” End </p>
2021-08-17
Primepress
Lithuania’s president vows to be ‘decisive’ in spats with China and Belarus
MINSK, Aug 16 - PrimePress. Lithuania will stand firm and will not back down on disputes with Belarus and China, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda told the Financial Times.
Gitanas Nauseda said that Lithuania, which borders both Russia and Belarus, had “complex neighbours in our long history” and learned how to deal with them.
“Perhaps the most important message that can be sent to the Belarusian regime is that democracy is not weak. Democracy is strong, democracy is united, and democracy respects the rule of law. They shouldn’t count on our weaknesses. We’ll be decisive, “he added.
In his words, Lithuania has experienced a “hybrid attack” by Belarus against the entire EU in recent weeks as Minsk sent more than 4,000 immigrants crossing the border, which Lithuanian Foreign Minister described as “weaponized migration” -mainly from Iraq.
Besides, last week Lithuania became the first European Union country from which China recalled its ambassador. Beijing thus reacted to Lithuania’s decision to allow Taiwan to open a representative office in Vilnius. Global Times, a tabloid managed by China’s ruling Communist Party, wrote on Wednesday that China should cooperate with Russia and Belarus to “punish” Lithuania, delfi reports.
Nauseda pointed out the “coincidence” that Lithuania faced simultaneous pressure from Belarus and China. He emphasized that Lithuania has supported one China policy since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1991. Nauseda added: “We also want to have a relationship with China based on the principle of mutual respect. Otherwise, the dialogue will turn into a one-sided final notice, an unacceptable requirement for international affairs.”
Nauseda suggested that China would probably “reconsider and change the decision to recall the ambassador,” and that “Lithuania, as a sovereign independent state, is free to decide on a country or region to develop economic and cultural relations.” End