Linas Linkevičius: Lithuania Is Alarmed With Coronavirus Spread In Belarus
- 7.05.2020, 16:55
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania sent a note to the official Minsk regarding the Belarusian NPP, and called for the cancellation of the military parade.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent a note to Belarus urging that priority be given to the safety of the Astravets NPP, a Charter97.org correspondent from Vilnius reports.
The note states that Lithuania and the EU are expecting constructive steps from the Belarusian authorities - the suspension of the launch process of the Astravets NPP, and the immediate organization of a visit by a group of international experts to monitor the process.
On May 6, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Linas Linkevičius held a telephone conversation with Belarusian Foreign Minister Uladzimir Makei after the information on the delivery of nuclear fuel to the Astravets NPP. The conversation was initiated by the Lithuanian side.
“I emphasized once again that the recommendations of international institutions regarding the safety of the nuclear power plant should be implemented before the start of operation of the said power plant. Therefore, we urge Belarus not to load nuclear fuel until all recommendations of international experts are implemented,” said the Lithuanian Foreign Minister.
During the conversation, the Lithuanian minister also expressed concern about the spread of the coronavirus in the neighboring Belarus. “We are alarmed by the situation with the spread of the coronavirus. We urge you to take into account all the recommendations of the World Health Organization, both regarding the introduction of quarantine and the planned parade on May 9 in Minsk. In addition, Belarus asks for the support of financial institutions in the fight against COVID-19, and therefore it is necessary to use these funds correctly. This is important not only for Belarusian citizens, but also for combating the coronavirus pandemic throughout the region,” the minister said.