Belarusian regime may force migrants to act against Lithuania - Bridikis

VILNIUS - The Belarusian regime may force people living in Lithuania or other Western countries to act against them, says Remigijus Bridikis, the nominee to lead the State Security Department.

"The regimes in one country or another, the state itself (has influence - BNS) on the migrants who come into our country, and I would probably single out Belarus," told members of the parliamentary Committee on National Security and Defense on Wednesday.

"Incoming people are absolutely affected by the regime. The state, in this case the regime, can influence their freedom, their success, their destiny. Aware of their capacity and power, they can force people to act against other countries and areas where they they seek a better life. From that side, we understand that Belarus, as well as Russia, will do everything to ensure that they have the freedom to act in Lithuania, in the Western environment," he stressed.

Bridikis says he' feels obliged to decision-makers and the public why the number of incoming Belarusian citizens right now is a matter of concern, adding that the migration problem has not gone away and will not disappear anytime soon.

Data from the Migration Department shows that 53,739 Belarusian citizens had valid residence permits in Lithuania on April 1, and 598 Belarusians were deemed as posing a threat to Lithuania's security, public order or human health last year.