Golovchenko comments on Lithuania's intention to stop Belarusian transit

Belarus will not leave unanswered Lithuania's intention to stop transit of Belarusian goods through its territory – as stated by Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko

“This statement resembles a joke: I will freeze my ears to spite my mother. We were ready for such development of events based on Lithuania’s chaotic policy towards Belarus. We have been preparing for this scenario since May and have been working on alternative options. Therefore, if someone in Lithuania believes that this will cause damage to Belarus, I am ready to responsibly assert: this will be Lithuania itself which will face the major damage,” the Prime Minister said.

Mr. Golovchenko noted that Lithuania has already inflicted economic damage on itself as a result of its political decision to refuse to purchase Belarusian electricity which would have cost half the price at which the country buys energy now on the wholesale market.

“On the other side of the border, losses from non-purchase of Belarusian electricity and possible refusal of transit can already be calculated. We have hedged our risks,” the Prime Minister stressed, also reminding of Belarus’ position on this issue, “If such a step is taken, it will be a violation of all international obligations and bilateral commitments of Lithuania which has signed relevant intergovernmental agreements with us. Therefore, we will not leave this move unanswered. We will have to take retaliatory measures. We have been tolerant for a long time, but apparently time has come to put an end to it.”

At the same time, Roman Golovchenko expressed hope that common sense will prevail among Lithuanian politicians.