G7 foreign ministers condemn Belarus regime amid irregular migration

By Ovunc Kutlu

ANKARA (AA) - Foreign ministers of G7 countries on Thursday condemned the Belarus regime’s orchestration of irregular migration across its borders.

Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK and the US, were joined by the EU and demanded the regime immediately stop "its aggressive and exploitative campaign" to prevent further deaths and suffering because such acts are putting lives at risk.

"We are united in our solidarity with Poland, as well as Lithuania and Latvia, who have been targeted by this provocative use of irregular migration as a hybrid tactic,” they said in a statement. “International organizations need to be provided with immediate and unhindered access to deliver humanitarian assistance.”

"The actions of the Belarusian regime are an attempt to deflect attention from its ongoing disregard for international law, fundamental freedoms and human rights, including those of its own people," it added.

EU countries bordering Belarus -- Lithuania, Latvia and Poland -- have reported a growing number of irregular crossings since August.

More than 8,000 people have tried to enter the bloc via the Belarus-EU border in 2021, up sharply from just 150 last year. At least 2,000 people, including women and children, have been stuck at the border in dire conditions during the last week.​​​​​​​

“We commend the actions of the European Union, which is working closely with countries of origin and transit to put an end to the actions of the [Belarusian President Aleksandr] Lukashenko regime. We will continue to work together to hold those responsible to account, and to support civil society and human rights in Belarus," added the statement.