The Lithuanian government has declared a nationwide emergency situation in response to repeated incursions of smuggler balloons from neighbouring Belarus into Lithuanian airspace, BNS reports. At the same time, the government proposed that the parliament, the Seimas, grant the Lithuanian Armed Forces (LGP) extended powers to assist law enforcement for three months. The balloon incursions pose a threat to national security, human life, health, property, and the environment, the government stated. Interior Minister Vladislav Kondratovic, who will manage emergency operations, assured that the measures being introduced would be narrowly targeted. Earlier, Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene did not rule out the possibility that the government would ask the parliament to declare a stricter state of emergency. Meanwhile, the State Defence Council (VGT) will consider freezing or confiscating Belarusian assets, President Gitanas Nauseda announced, LRT reports.
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