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The invitation of Belarusian President to Lithuania is a clear change of foreign policy tactics of our country. This change cannot be evaluated unambiguously.
In case of not only the pragmatic dialogue but also of the diplomatic 'friendship' way, there is a fear that the main Belarusian questions are going to be pushed away.
No one ought to forget that violation of human rights, restrictions of self-expression freedom, persecution of opposition is the reality of Belarus. This reality is proceeding despite the broadcasted state's propaganda.
United Centre of Initiatives for Belarus (JuBic) takes the view that it would be unacceptable for Lithuania as for a democratic country to maintain a dialogue with authoritarian leader without paying attention to worth and freedom. Only the pragmatic partnership would betray liberty expectations of Lithuanians and Belarusians. Lithuania cannot let itself not to communicate with a person who holds ten millions of his citizens hostage.
Otherwise it is obvious that recent isolation policy of Belarus led by Western countries did not prove itself. There is no doubt of need to solve by Lithuania and Belarus a range of important questions, relevant for citizens and business. Cultural dialogue, transit questions, security of Lithuanian business investments and especially visa barriers can and should be eased.
JuBic congratulates the latest active Lithuanian attempts to facilitate traveling for Belarusians to our country. Unfortunately these attempts are too weak to ease Schengen rules on the EU level despite this is also Lithuanian interest. JuBic do also expects a positive reaction of Belarus to freedom of movement of their own and foreign citizens.
JuBic, established in 2004, is a Lithuanian association which works actively with Belarusian nongovernmental partners, seeking to promote close relationship between societies, business, culture and politicians of both neighbour states.
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