Expert on Belaruskali-Lithuania claim: business interests have to be defended

Last week, Belaruskali filed an international investment arbitration claim against Lithuania for its illegal actions, which violated the company's rights as a foreign investor protected by the investment agreement between the governments of the two countries. Vadim Gigin, House of Representatives MP and General Director of the National Library, commented on the news to Alfa Radio.

“If there’s any chance, especially when it comes to companies defending their business interests, arguing for and proving their rights, making themselves heard, we have to use it. The international arbitration court is not as biased as say, the International Criminal Court (ICC), the Hague court, all those quasi-legal assemblages. That’s why cases like this one, when a company is suing, are justified and necessary,” Mr. Gigin said.

The MP also believes interactions with the Sports Arbitration Court are worth it.

“You have to do that to protect the rights of our athletes as well. A lot is being done to that effect now, I have to commend our National Olympic Committee and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. Why did I mention sports in addition to the economy? We are in active contact with our athletes for the Marathon of Unity. They asked us that question at a meeting in Orsha, and the Belarusian Cycling Federation President Natalia Tsylinskaya, Olympics bronze medallist, eight times World Champion, spoke about the enormous work they are doing. So we absolutely have to defend our interests in that area,” he added.