VILNIUS – Belarusian representatives complained in Brussels last week that Lithuania is blocking the European Union and Minsk's agreement on partnership priorities.
Vilnius says such an agreement is impossible until Belarus, building the Astravyets nuclear power plant, changes its attitude to nuclear safety.
Belarusian Foreign Minister Vladimir Makey went to Brussels on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the EU Eastern Partnership project and said Lithuania is stalling the talks on the agreement.
European Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighborhood Policy Johannes Hahn confirmed that during negotiations with Belarus, Brussels is discussing the Astravyets issue with Lithuania.
Lithuania's Ministry of Foreign Affairs told BNS Lithuania an EU-Minsk agreement on partnership priorities is possible if Minsk takes into account the EU stress test recommendations when finishing the construction of the Astravyets nuclear facility and prepares a plan to ensure its safety.
"Lithuania's consistent position is that besides ensuring proper nuclear safety in the EU neighborhood, respect for human rights and freedom, the rule of law and the execution of real reforms are an important precondition for further development of EU-Belarusian relations. Belarus' progress in these areas would also step up the development of EU-Belarusian cooperation," the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry said.
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Reported by: The Baltic Times
