Lithuanian Foreign Ministry announced the punishment of Belarusians by Minsk because of the response to sanctions

The Belarusian regime, with its decision to withdraw from the Eastern Partnership initiative, “punishes” the people of Belarus and continues self-isolation, said Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis, his words are quoted on the website of the Belarusian Foreign Ministry.

He believes that the Belarusians “will reap the fruits of the Eastern Partnership”, however, most likely, after the new elections.

“We will call for the non-recognition of any changes in international obligations and sovereignty, as well as amendments made by illegal governments. The EU proposal for reform and support for a democratic Belarus remains in force,” Landsbergis said.

Minsk announced a decision to withdraw from the Eastern Partnership, which provides for visa facilitation, in response to sectoral EU sanctions. The Belarusian side also decided to suspend the readmission agreement and recall the Permanent Representative of Belarus to the European Union Alexander Mikhnevich.

Brussels expressed regret over the decision of Belarus. The EU considers the exit from the Eastern Partnership and the withdrawal of the Belarusian representative as “steps towards self-isolation”.