Lithuania accuses Russia of 'discriminatory' border regime
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 16 September 2013 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Lithuania accuses Russia of 'discriminatory' border regime, 16 September 2013, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/525e3f925.html [accessed 1 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
September 16, 2013
Lithuanian Foreign Minister Linas Linkevicius
Lithuania has accused Russia of imposing new border checks as part of its campaign to intimidate former Soviet republics seeking closer ties with the European Union.
Lithuania's foreign minister, Linas Linkevicius, said he "expects" other EU states to urge Russia to keep to its international commitments, and "to stop and refrain from any discriminatory practices directed at Lithuania as the rotating EU presidency."
Lithuania says that Russia last week imposed new customs checks on Lithuanian imports and has summoned the Russian ambassador to Vilnius to complain over the issue.
Lithuania is due in November to host an EU summit with the six members of the bloc's Eastern Partnership program.
Several of the countries are expected to formalize closer relationships with the EU at the Vilnius summit.
Russia has sought to pressure countries to reject closer ties with Brussels.
Armenia, an Eastern Partnership member, lost its opportunity to sign a series of trade and political agreements with the EU after it opted to join the Russia-led Customs Union.
Critics said the move was in response to pressure from Moscow.
Based on EUObserver.com, delfi.lt
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
