Kęstutis Budrys: Discussions on Policy Towards Minsk Do Not Mean That It Will Be Changed Quickly
Lithuanian Minister Kęstutis Budrys emphasizes that discussions about the current policy towards Minsk should not be interpreted as an imminent change in approach, but rather as a means of evaluating its effectiveness.
In a recent interview, Lithuanian Minister Kęstutis Budrys highlighted that ongoing discussions regarding the country's policy towards Minsk do not suggest an immediate revision of that policy. He stressed the importance of such discussions as a method of assessing whether the current approach is effective. Budrys remarked that debating policy matters is often misconstrued as a sign that changes are forthcoming, yet this is not necessarily the case as the government needs to confirm that their actions are beneficial.
The context for Budrys's comments arises amid increasing mentions by the ruling coalition about a potential renewal of dialogue with Minsk. Mindaugas Sinkevičius, the chairman of the ruling Social Democrats, stated that there should be no taboos around ministerial-level meetings, emphasizing that Lithuania must respond to actions from partners such as the European Union and the United States. This reflects an ongoing recalibration in Lithuania's foreign policy, where dialogue is considered carefully in light of international partnerships and sanctions.
Significantly, Budrys indicated that any consideration of political dialogue with Minsk would only be viable post-extension of sanctions imposed by the European Union on Belarus. This notion underlines the cautious approach Lithuania is adopting in navigating its relationships while ensuring alignment with European partners. As these discussions progress, the balance between maintaining a firm stance against Minsk and the potential for diplomatic engagement remains a crucial concern for Lithuanian diplomacy.