Lithuania, Belarus fail to sign border-crossing deal
During Lukashenka's visit to Vilnius, Lithuania and Belarus have not signed an agreement on the simplified border-crossing procedures in the trans-border districts despite the deal was ready for approval.
The Baltic news agency BNS reports that only two out of three bilateral agreements were signed by the prime ministers of the two countries.
Lithuanian foreign ministry's spokesman Rolandas Kacinskas said Belarus asked for more time in order to complete internal procedures.
Under the deal, the citizens of Belarus and Lithuania that reside within a 50-km radius from the border, will be able to visit each other across the border without a visa, effective from mid-2010. They will only have to apply for a special permit that costs 20 euro.
During the talks in Vilnius, the prime ministers said the agreement would be signed very soon.
The Baltic news agency BNS reports that only two out of three bilateral agreements were signed by the prime ministers of the two countries.
Lithuanian foreign ministry's spokesman Rolandas Kacinskas said Belarus asked for more time in order to complete internal procedures.
Under the deal, the citizens of Belarus and Lithuania that reside within a 50-km radius from the border, will be able to visit each other across the border without a visa, effective from mid-2010. They will only have to apply for a special permit that costs 20 euro.
During the talks in Vilnius, the prime ministers said the agreement would be signed very soon.
