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Lithuanian prime minister predicts thaw in Belarus-EU relations

Lithuanian Prime Minister Algirdas Butkevicius told the Baltic News Service (BNS) that he expected a thaw in relations between Belarus and the European Union.

Lithuania’s presidency of the EU Council in the latter half of the year may also contribute to rapprochement between Minsk and Brussels, he said.

On Wednesday, Dr. Butkevicius met with his Belarusian counterpart, Mikhail Myasnikovich, who was scheduled to participate in the 9th Belarusian-Lithuanian Economic Forum in Klaipeda the following day.

According to Dr. Butkevicius, the Belarusian prime minister may be invited to represent Belarus at an Eastern Partnership summit in Vilnius in November.

“It is true that relations between Belarus and the EU in the political sphere are strained,” he said. “However, I understood during yesterday’s meeting that they would really like to improve these relations and cooperate with the EU more closely.”

The issue of reengagement with Belarus may be raised during the period of Lithuania’s EU presidency, but “it goes without saying that Belarus should fulfill the tasks set by the EU.” Dr. Butkevicius said. //BelaPAN