Tsikhanouskaya expects Lithuania to maintain principled Belarus policy

VILNIUS - Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya said on Tuesday she expected Lithuania's new government to continue a principled policy toward Belarus.

"I wish the future Prime Minister Sinkevicius to form a strong government and lead it firmly; I also hope that the new government will continue a principled policy towards Belarus, as this involves Lithuania's national security interests," Tsikhanouskaya said in an interview with public broadcaster LRT.

"Lithuania's security cannot be complete as long as (Alexander-BNS) Lukashenko remains in power in Belarus. (...) As long as Belarus remains at the disposal of the Kremlin dictator, Lithuania will not be safe; threats, blackmail and provocations will continue. For Lukashenko, this is a way to survive, and for (Vladimir-BNS) Putin, a way to pressure Europe," she added.

The Belarusian opposition leader stressed that a democratic and sovereign Belarus was not only the goal of Belarusians but also a security guarantee for Lithuania. Tsikhanouskaya also thanked Lithuanian leaders and society for their long-term support for democratic forces.

Tsikhanouskaya's comments come after a shift in rhetoric regarding the isolation of Belarus in the programme of Mindaugas Sinkevicius's incoming government. While the previous programme mentioned maintaining the international isolation of both Russia and Belarus, the new version explicitly refers to the isolation of Russia, although increasing pressure on Belarus is included in other provisions.

The new government is being formed following a reshuffle of the ruling coalition. Its programme still requires approval from the Seimas.