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Belarus’ MFA condemns airspace closure by Poland, Latvia

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 MINSK, 11 September (BelTA) – The Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemns the actions of the Polish and Latvian authorities, which have effectively closed airspace along the border with Belarus, the ministry’s press service told BelTA.

“These discriminatory measures have nothing to do with the alleged threats they are intended to counter. They appear especially absurd in light of the recent lifting of sanctions on the Belarusian airline Belavia by the United States,” the statement reads.

The ministry stressed that the decisions taken by Warsaw and Riga will cause significant damage to the European Union itself and its business partners, exacerbate existing difficulties in international passenger and cargo transportation, and lead to further escalation of tensions and deepening of the EU’s self‑isolation.

In addition, the ministry believes that the forced extension of air carrier routes will lead to a significant increase in carbon emissions, which directly contradicts the European Union’s declared goals of transitioning to a green economy.

“The Republic of Belarus has always been a contributor to security in the European region. Recently, an example of prompt cooperation between the Belarusian air defense forces and their partners in Poland and Lithuania has once again confirmed our country's genuine contribution to maintaining security and building trust in Europe. It is precisely this kind of responsible and constructive engagement in the interests of peace and security that Minsk has been patiently urging its Western partners to pursue,” the statement reads.

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