EU and US accuse Belarus of instrumentalizing migrants

The President of the Commission described in a written statement “unacceptable” Ursula von der Leyen the instrumentalization of immigrants for political purposes by Belarus, occasion the new escalation on its border with Poland.

He also noted that in the coming days, Commission Vice-President Margaritis Schoinas “in coordination with High Representative Borrell, will travel to the main countries of origin and transit to ensure that they act to prevent their nationals from falling into the trap they have set.” the Belarussian authorities “.

In detail, Ursula von der Leyen states in her statement: “Belarus must stop endangering people’s lives. The instrumentalization of migrants for political purposes by Belarus is unacceptable.

The Belarusian authorities must understand that putting pressure on the European Union in this way through a cynical instrumentalization of migrants will not help them achieve their goals.

I spoke with the Prime Minister of Poland, Mateusz Morawiecki, the Prime Minister of Lithuania, Ingrida Simonite, and the Prime Minister of Latvia, Arturis Karins Krishian, to express the EU ‘s solidarity and to discuss with them the measures that the EU can take to to deal with this crisis.

I call on the Member States to finally approve the extended sanctions regime to the Belarussian authorities responsible for this hybrid attack.

Vice President Schoinas, in coordination with High Representative Borrell, will travel to the main countries of origin and transit in the coming days to ensure that they act to prevent their nationals from falling into the trap set by the Belarussian authorities.

The EU will explore in particular how to impose sanctions, including through the blacklist, third country airlines involved in human trafficking.

“Finally, the Commission will investigate with the UN and its specialized agencies how to prevent the occurrence of a humanitarian crisis and ensure that migrants can return safely to their country of origin, with the support of their national authorities.”

Michel: I call on the Belarussian authorities to comply with international law

President of the European Council also calls on the Belarusian authorities to “comply” with international law Charles Michel stressing that “the EU will not accept any attempt to instrumentalize migrants”.

In particular, Mr. Michel states in his twitter post: “I call on the Belarussian authorities to comply with international law. The EU will not accept any attempt to instrumentalize migrants for political purposes. We are closely monitoring the situation on the borders of the European Union. “

Schinas: Belarus’ actions are unacceptable

Belarus’s “unacceptable” actions “will be met with a strong and united EU response,” said the vice-president of the commission, who will travel to the countries of origin and transit of migrants in the coming days at the request of Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

In particular, Mr. Σχοινάς “Belarus’ actions are unacceptable and will be met with a strong and united EU response. At the request of Ursula von der Leyen, I will travel to the main countries of origin and transit in the coming days to ensure that they act to stop the instrumentalization of the people by the regime of Belarus “.

Reaction from the USA

Following reactions from the EU, but also NATO, the USA They also called on Belarus to stop “manipulating” the flow of migrants to Europe, with Minsk accused of pushing migrants to the border with Poland.

“The United States strongly condemns the political exploitation and manipulation of vulnerable people by (Alexander) Lukashenko’s regime,” a State Department spokesman said Monday. Ned Price.

“As long as the regime and Belarus refuse to honor their international obligations and commitments, they undermine Europe’s peace and security and continue to oppress and mistreat people who seek nothing more than to live in freedom. “We will continue to press Lukashenko and we will not reduce our calls for accountability.”