Lithuanian Interior Ministry proposes closing 2 more checkpoints on border with Belarus

VILNIUS. Aug 28 (Interfax/BNS) - Lithuania is planning to close another two checkpoints on its border with Belarus, Lithuanian Interior Minister Agne Bilotaite said on Monday.

"The Interior Ministry will propose closing another two checkpoints. These checkpoints are Lavoriskes and Raigardas," Bilotaite told reporters in Warsaw.

Bilotaite is visiting Warsaw to discuss the protection of national borders with Belarus with Baltic and Polish colleagues.

The minister said earlier that the Baltic countries and Poland were negotiating "a regional solution" to fully close the border with their neighbor.

Lithuania closed the Sumskas (Losha) and Tverecius (Vidzy) checkpoints on the border with Belarus at midnight on August 18. The Lithuanian government explained its decision with reference to the geopolitical situation and the need to reduce risks.

Now that Sumskas and Tverecius are closed, four checkpoints are currently operating on the border with Belarus, namely Medininkai (Kamenny Log), Lavoriskes (Kotlovka), Raigardas (Privalka) and Salcininkai (Benyakoni).