Shvayba: Vilnius has no independence in decision-making, Brussels determines its steps

US President Donald Trump said that Washington is working on a major deal to purchase potash fertilizers from Belarus, but Lithuania called their transit through the EU countries to the United States impossible. In the program “Budni” on the YouTube channel “SBTV” and “Alfa Radio” the topic was commented by media expert Dmitry Shvayba, reports sb.by.

Assessing the position of the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry on this issue, the analyst said:

- A remarkable statement, the wording of which can be analyzed by citations. The Lithuanian Foreign Ministry says that our potash fertilizers will not be allowed into the port of Klaipėda. But Belaruskali has long bought 30 percent of the terminal. Hiding behind loud statements about the alleged threat to the national security of Lithuania, Vilnius does not allow us there. Potash fertilizers are so “undemocratic” that Belarus cannot export them even through its capacities in Lithuania. We've been denied that opportunity. But this issue is not regulated by Lithuanian or European legislation. Washington’s latest statements are an attempt to get Lithuania and Europe out of the sanctions restrictions they have forced themselves into.

- It is obvious that the statement of the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry was made by order after the call from Brussels. But I think that over time they will have to play back the situation at least for some bargaining with the United States.

- Look at it from a legal point of view. The Lithuanian Foreign Ministry says that Belarusian potash fertilizers cannot enter the EU. What if they become American or, say, fertilizers from Uzbekistan move through our country? And in general, how to decide at the moment and who will be the sommelier that will determine whether it is really Belarusian fertilizers or, for example, from Uzbekistan? The issue of sanctions restrictions, especially in the context of an imbalance in the interests of even once close allies, is very interesting for lawyers. Of course, Lithuania should calm down and take a constructive stance. However, this is not possible due to EU policy. Vilnius has no autonomy in decision-making and Brussels determines its steps. However, the issue of waivers of sanctions for the purpose of more dynamic development of the region, its socio-economic stability is becoming increasingly urgent.

The talk show “Budney” is released on weekdays in the morning on “Alpha Radio”. Each issue discusses the most relevant topics from the life of the country and the world. Political scientists, scientists, public figures and journalists of leading media participate in the discussions. See the full version of the program on the VIDEOBEL.BY website and on the SBTV YouTube channel.