“The Ministry of the Interior has given an order to VSAT to evaluate these possibilities and in the near future I will have a conversation with the Ministry of the Environment to assess the possibility of building physical infrastructure in the marshy protected areas, which could be concertina or other according to the capabilities of our states. But yes, we see (the need for BNS)”, A. Bilotaitė said during a press conference in Vilnius district on Monday.
According to her, after the construction of the physical barrier, there are remaining cutting wires (concertinos), and the State Border Guard Service (VSAT) is evaluating the possibilities of using them in swampy areas.
Currently, the fence and cutting wire on the border with Belarus are installed in sections of about 550 kilometers, and the total length of the Lithuanian border is 679 kilometers.
For more than 100 kilometers, the border runs through rivers, lakes, swamps, here the state border is monitored by video cameras and other technical means, but there is no fence.
As VSAT representative Giedrius Mišutis told BNS, it is being analyzed that a physical barrier could appear in Čepkelei, in the Baltasamane swamp in Švenčioni district, near the rivers.
It was decided to build a physical barrier on the border with Belarus after the influx of illegal migrants from this country in 2021. Lithuania accuses the Minsk regime of organizing it and calls it a hybrid attack.
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#Bilotaitė #Ministry #Interior #sees #install #physical #barrier #swampy #areas
**Interview with A. Bilotaitė, Lithuania’s Interior Minister**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Minister Bilotaitė. Recent reports indicate that Lithuania is considering the closure of two more border crossing points with Belarus. Can you elaborate on the reasons behind this decision?
**A. Bilotaitė:** Thank you for having me. The primary reason for considering the closure of these border points is security. Given the current geopolitical climate, it’s vital that we protect our borders more effectively. The crossings have been points of concern, and our assessment shows that limiting access could enhance our national security.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the evaluation by the State Border Guard Service. What kind of physical infrastructure are you assessing for marshy protected areas along the border?
**A. Bilotaitė:** We are exploring the feasibility of constructing physical barriers, such as concertina wire, where the landscape allows. This infrastructure would help deter unauthorized crossings while respecting environmental protections as much as possible. It’s a delicate balance that we are working diligently to maintain.
**Interviewer:** How do you foresee the relationship between Lithuania and Belarus evolving, particularly with these border actions?
**A. Bilotaitė:** Unfortunately, the relationship with Belarus is strained due to various factors, including political repression and migration issues. These actions are primarily defensive and intended to safeguard our sovereignty. We hope that by reinforcing our borders, we can create a safer environment for our citizens while also dealing with the challenges posed by the current Belarusian regime.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Minister Bilotaitė. It’s clear that these decisions are critical for the future of Lithuania’s border security.
**A. Bilotaitė:** Thank you for having me. We remain committed to ensuring the safety and security of our nation.
