New set of measures to strengthen Latvian-Belarusian border to be implemented in near future - Rinkevics

RIGA - A new set of measures to strengthen the Latvian-Belarusian border will be implemented in the near future, but the details cannot being disclosed at this time, President Edgars Rinkevics said in an interview with Latvian Television on Friday.

The National Security Council agreed on specific measures on Wednesday. They will be implemented by the Interior Ministry and the Defense Ministry.

"You will learn about the specific measures in the near future," said the president, emphasizing that the public would be informed about the measures once their implementation begins.

Rinkevics did not reveal though whether implementation of the new measures would commence in the coming weeks or months.

The situation on the Latvian-Belarusian border has escalated and resolving it requires not only continuing work done so far but also "stepping slightly outside the standard policy," said Rinkevics.

Border security cannot be ensured entirely by a fence and technical surveillance infrastructure, Rinkevics emphasized. Development of the surveillance system along the Latvian-Belarusian border continues, but even after its completion, the ability to respond quickly to border violations will be essential.

"Neither a fence nor infrastructure solves much if there is no response team that can act very quickly," said the president.

The developments at the border should not be viewed solely as a hybrid operation carried out by Belarus. Organized crime is also involved in illegal border crossings, said Rinkevics.

"It is not just a hybrid operation. It is both a hybrid operation and organized crime," said Rinkevics.

The president welcomed increased penalties for organizing illegal migration, as harsher penalties can serve as a deterrent. At the same time, it is necessary to intensify diplomatic efforts and cooperation with Latvia's partners, he said.

Migratory pressures can quickly shift from one country on the European Union's external border to another, said Rinkevics. The same situation as in Latvia could later occur in Lithuania or Poland. If the pressure is concentrated on a single country, that country must seek assistance from its partners, and Latvia has done so.

Commenting on the possibility that Lithuania may reinstate border controls with Latvia due to secondary migration, Rinkevics said this was more a matter of political rhetoric.

Lithuanian border guards are currently assisting Latvia, but the situation could change rapidly and, after some time, Latvian border guards may have to go to assist Lithuania, said Rinkevics.