November 11, 2021–Political tensions between the European Union and the dictatorship of Belarus are rising, and the lives of thousands of migrants are caught quite literally in the middle.
President Alexander Lukashenko, whom many call the last dictator in Europe, has been systematically encouraging migrants into his country only to push them across the border into Europe. Now, as cold weather sets in, thousands of migrants are camped between the Poland and Belarus border, under siege.
Belarus encourages visa-free travel through the Minsk airport from Turkey. Migrants are reportedly coming from war-torn countries of Iraq, Syria and Yemen. Yesterday, the Belarus border officials said they met with delegates from the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and the International Organization for Migration, the Belarus Red Cross. The groups are reportedly planning a visit, according to the Belarus government.
European Parliament Debate
European Parliamentary members debated the issue yesterday. Some discussed building a border wall, while others flatly rejected the idea. Many suggested that the European Union add onto its sanctions regime against Belarus.
Last month, the MEPs passed a resolution supporting border countries, including Poland, Lithuania and Latvia.
Sanctions Likely
Overall, the MEPs pledged to stand united against “the Belarusian regime’s inhuman instrumentalization of migrants.” Furthermore, Ursula von der Leyen, European Commission president, suggested stronger sanctions are likely.
Gas Supply From Russia
In response to her remarks, Lukashenko threatened to cut off transportation of natural gas and goods to Europe, the state-run news agency Belta reported.
About a fifth of the gas Europe receives from Russia goes through Belarus, according to news by the Financial Times.
Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2021 Patti Mohr