Mass media: Lithuanians are on a short leash in Belarus, Belarusians in Lithuania are free

• 2.08.2010, 12:50

The signing of the agreement between Belarus and Lithuania on the simplified order of movement in frontier zone was brought to a standstill.

The agreement between Belarus and Lithuania, according to which the population of both countries living within the distance of 50 km from the frontier could freely move around this territory, is under negotiation for more than 2 years now. It is suggested to issue permissions for 5 years. Such a permission would let people stay on the territory of the other country not longer than 90 days each half of the year, informs ru.DELFI.lt with reference to Lithuanian TV channel LNK.

Lithuania hoped that the agreement would have been signed during the visit of Aliaksandr Lukashenko to Lithuania which took place in September of the previous year, however, Belarus refused to sign it motivating the refusal by technical reasons.

Essential position of Lithuania – the citizens of both countries should be treated similar on one side of the frontier as well as on the other, there should be no discrimination from both sides, – said Head of Lithuanian Foreign Ministry Audronus Adzhubalis.

According to unofficial data, Belarus wants the Belarusians move around the Lithuanian territory without obstruction, however, Lithuanians, entered Belarus for more than 5 days should be registrated. Some registration points are farther than 50 km from the frontier, that’s why the Lithuanians who would go there for registration reasons would violate the agreement conditions for what they would be punished.

It is stated that due to the simplified visa system with Belaarus, Lithuania would annually suffer losses in the amount of 70 million lits: Lithuanias would buy in Belarus cheaper petrol, alcohol and cigarettes.

Belarusian embassy does not comment the situation.