Deputy Interior Minister Of Poland: We Ready To Completely Close 'Window' For Belarus
- 7.03.2023, 9:13
Warsaw is preparing new sanctions against Lukashenka's regime.
The Polish authorities must continue pressure on Lukashenka's regime. They are preparing hundreds of new candidates for the sanctions list and will readily close the border with Belarus, if necessary. This was stated by Deputy Minister of the Interior and Administration Maciej Wonsik in his interview for the program Guest of Events on the TV channel Polsat on Monday.
- We have to oppose the actions of Aliaksandr Lukashenka on the Polish-Belarusian border, as well as his actions against his own opposition and the Polish minority. Let me remind you that Andrzej Poczobut is sentenced to eight years in prison, we can't accept it," Deputy Head of the Interior Ministry said.
He also recalled the destruction of cemeteries of soldiers of the Polish Armia Krajowa in Belarus. It is unacceptable for Poland, Wonsik said.
- We can't let the regime, implementing Putin's plans, mature on our eastern border. Therefore, we act very tough on Belarus, and will not hesitate to use other tools.
Thus, Poland is preparing an expansion of the sanctions list, the official said.
- There are several hundred people on the sanctions list, standing behind the "justice system" - the courts that have issued verdicts similar to the one against Poczobut," he said.
Wonsik did not rule out that Poland might close all border crossings with Belarus in the future.
- "We are prepared for any scenario, and if the situation escalates, we are ready to close the "window" of Belarus. After all, Belarus is only a small window for us, while Poland is a gateway to the world," Deputy Interior Minister of Poland said.
He notes that the border crossings are important for the Belarusian economy and standard of living, but also for the support of Lukashenka.
- We won't hesitate if there is such a situation, such a need," Wonsik says.
Nevertheless, he adds, the Polish government is "waiting for Minsk's step".
- We suppose that we could go another way if Minsk proves that it cares," Wonsik says.
The host also asked him how the government intends to respond to the measures taken against the Polish carriers in Belarus. He recounted the information from the carriers that Belarus did not just let out Polish trucks that had already entered the country: the drivers could return to Poland, but they were required to leave their vehicles in Belarus. So, about 70 Polish trucks have already been detained. And their owners are demanded to pay €8.5 thousand per vehicle for each entry into Belarus within the last six months; some companies have been fined about €275 thousand.
The deputy minister confirmed that the authorities were in contact with the Polish carriers on this issue.
- We will respond adequately, that is, we'll apply similar methods to the Belarusian carriers," Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of Poland.