Belarus – Answer to media questions – an excerpt from a press conference (09.11.21)
Question: What is France’s reaction to the migration crisis on the border between Poland and Belarus? European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Monday called on member states to approve new sanctions against the Belarusian authorities. Will France support new sanctions?
Question: Does France approve of the imposition of penalties on European airlines accepting passengers flying to Belarus, but the declared purpose of visiting the country – tourism – is unlikely? Should a deposit be established that the airline will return to the Polish state in the event of the disappearance of a passenger? With regard to landings on flights, especially from Baghdad, Abu Dhabi and Istanbul, can Paris use with such requests from governments?
Answer: We reiterate our solidarity with Poland, as it was previously with Lithuania and Latvia, in connection with the unacceptable use of migration flows by the Belarusian regime. This regime is the smuggling of migrants aimed at destabilizing the community. That is why France wants to ensure coordinated joint protection of our external borders and is ready to consider the possibility of strengthening measures against the Belarusian regime, individuals and organizations involved in illegal negotiations between people. This issue will be considered by the next new EU Foreign Affairs Council on 15 November.