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Lithuania Approves Early Reopening of Two Border Crossings With Belarus

The decision follows a security panel's recommendation prompted by balloon‑borne tobacco smuggling.

Overview

  • The Cabinet agreed on Wednesday to restore operations at two checkpoints that have been shut since October 29, according to reports from the government meeting.
  • Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene said the practical steps to restart traffic would take about one day.
  • Vilnius warned it could shut the crossings again if smuggling risks reappear, citing the earlier airborne cigarette scheme.
  • Deputy chief border commissioners from both countries held a technical meeting at the Lavoriškės checkpoint to discuss illicit activity and border conditions.
  • Belarus previously halted crossings for Lithuanian trucks and ordered them to paid parking, leaving more than 1,000 Lithuanian vehicles stranded.