As Reuters recalled, weather balloons used by Belarusian cigarette smugglers have led to several closures of the airport in the Lithuanian capital, Vilnius, in recent months.
Who informed about the suspension of balloon flights over Lithuania?
How many political prisoners could be released in the coming months?
What decisions were made regarding Lithuanian airspace violations?
Which political prisoners were released by the Belarusian authorities?
Due to these airspace violations, the Lithuanian government on Tuesday declared a state of extreme situation in the country. The authorities' decision does not result in any restrictions on the citizens' civil rights. On the same day, Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko said that Lithuania was exaggerating the problem.
— I believe that the leader of Belarus is sincerely trying to calm the situation. I think it will take some time, but I think it can be resolved. (Lukashenko) assured me that he wants normal relations with his neighbors, Coale said, noting that the Lithuanian side is also working on this matter.
The White House envoy also said that about a thousand political prisoners still in Belarusian prisons could be released in one large group in the coming months.
— I think it's more than possible; I think it's likely (…) We're on the right track, we're on a good streak, Coale said.
On Saturday, the Belarusian authorities released 123 political prisoners. This decision was made after two days of negotiations between Coale and Lukashenko and the lifting of sanctions on Belarusian potash by the US.
They regained their freedom, among others: Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aleś Bialyatsky, oppositionist Maryja Kalesnikava, would-be candidate for the president of Belarus Viktar Babaryka, activist of the Human Rights Defense Center “Vyasna” Uladź Łabkowicz and Polish citizen Roman Galuza.
In total, including the decisions made by Lukashenko at the end of November, the number of pardoned people now stands at 156. They include citizens of Great Britain, the United States, Lithuania, Ukraine, Latvia, Australia and Japan, Lukashenko's press service reported.
