Lithuanian drivers allowed leaving Belarus, trucks sent to designated parking lots - Belarusian Foreign Ministry

MINSK. Nov 10 (Interfax) - Lithuanian drivers stranded in Belarus after the border closure have been allowed leaving, while Lithuanian trucks have been sent to designated parking lots near the Belarusian-Lithuanian border, the Belarusian Foreign Ministry's press service said on Monday.

"More than 1,100 trucks of Lithuanian road carriers are stranded in Belarus after Lithuania's unilateral closure of checkpoints on the Belarusian-Lithuanian border. Seeking to ensure security and to protect the vehicles, Belarus sends them to designated parking lots near the Kotlovka checkpoint. Drivers have been allowed leaving the Belarusian territory for humanitarian reasons and returning to their permanent places of residence until the Lithuanian side resumes border operations," the press service said.

"All damages and costs result from politicized and poorly considered decisions of the Lithuanian authorities," it said.

"Belarus reserves the right to take all measures envisaged by law in regard to the vehicles remaining on its territory," the press service said.

Belarus said last week there were no impediments to the return of Lithuanian trucks on its part. "As soon as Lithuania opens the border, all trucks will be able to return home on a first come, first served basis," the Belarusian Foreign Ministry said.

In turn, Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene said that Vilnius would ask Minsk to consider the possibility of return of Lithuanian vehicles and drivers stranded in Belarus after the border closure. "The border will stay closed however," she said.

The Lithuanian government earlier decided to close the border with Belarus until November 30 (due to numerous smuggling incidents) with the possibility of prolongation of this period.

The Belarusian government has introduced new restrictions on the movement on the territory of the country of trucks and pull tractors, as well as trailers and semi-trailers registered in Lithuania. Entry and departure by such road vehicles are limited to the Belarusian-Lithuanian part of the border, and cargo operations, change and fueling are limited solely to special places in such parts. The restriction will stay in place until December 31, 2027.