Citing security concerns over an influx of migrants, Latvia’s government has decided to strengthen border controls with Russia and Belarus again.
Starting today, March 19, entry at three checkpoints – Paternieki (Belarus border crossing), Terehova, and Grebneva (Russia border crossings) – will be restricted to motor vehicles only, Schengen.News reports.
Pedestrians along with cyclists will not be able to cross at these three checkpoints until further notice.
Latvia’s decision comes amid accusations towards Russia and Belarus of orchestrating an influx of refugees intentionally to destabilise the region.
The decision to restrict the operations of the above-mentioned border checkpoints has been taken taking into account several important security and public order aspects. One of the main reasons is the risks of hybrid threats and migration crises.
Partial Closure Necessary to Enhance National Security, Ministry of Interior Says
The proposal to tighten restrictions with Russia and Belarus, which has been approved by the government of Latvia, has been made by the country’s Ministry of the Interior, upon a request of the State Border Guard.
The Ministry of the Interior has argued that the partial closure is needed due to the current geopolitical situation, particularly due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, according to a BNN report.
The Ministry emphasised the need to tighten border security measures and improve the efficiency of border control at these three checkpoints.
Similar border security concerns have been raised in other countries as well, according to the Ministry, which cited Finland as one of them.
It is essential for Latvia to follow a common approach to the effective organization of border controls at Latvia’s borders with Belarus and Russia at the existing border crossing points, allowing Russia to use hybrid warfare tactics at its border with Finland and to repeat the scenario of triggering a migration crisis, which has already been used at Belarus’ border with EU Member States.
Highlighting that the gathering of people near the border crossing points poses a safety risk, the Ministry said that it could lead to mass unrest and an attempt to breach border regulations which also threaten national security.
The Ministry said that it is important to adopt precautionary measures to mitigate the risk in advance and enhance national security.
In a bid to deal with irregular migration, Latvia has already built a fence along its border with Belarus and plans to complete a similar barrier along the Russian border this year.