MINSK, Nov. 12 (Xinhua) -- Belarusian Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov said Wednesday that Belarus is in favor of restoring the normal functioning of its border with Lithuania.
Following a report to Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Ryzhenkov stressed the need to reopen all checkpoints and resume cooperation between border services, in line with bilateral agreements on good-neighborly relations, border regimes, checkpoints, transport and transit.
The minister criticized Lithuania's unilateral actions as violations of the agreements.
Ryzhenkov said Belarus has sent proposals to Lithuania and awaits a response, expressing readiness for talks anytime, anywhere, without preconditions.
He responded to Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys' refusal to meet, saying it does not mean a conversation will not take place.
Ryzhenkov also stressed that resolving the issue serves the interests of citizens of Belarus and Lithuania, as well as citizens of third countries who use the border for their travel.
In October, Lithuania unilaterally closed its remaining two border crossings with Belarus -- Medininkai and Salcininkai -- until Dec. 1. In response, Belarus restricted crossings for trucks with Lithuanian plates. ■
