Latvia won't close Paternieki checkpoint; NATO forces to be deployed near border during drills
The government will not consider an Interior Ministry proposal to suspend operations at the Paternieki border crossing; instead, allied military forces will be deployed near the eastern border during exercises to address illegal migration.
The Latvian government will not decide on an Interior Ministry proposal to suspend operations at the Paternieki border crossing on the Latvian–Belarusian border. Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs and Interior Minister Jānis Dombrava told journalists that allied military forces will be deployed near the eastern border for the duration of the exercises as part of efforts to counter illegal migration.
According to the two officials, the cabinet will not take up the ministry's initiative. The border checkpoint will remain open, while additional security measures are introduced along the eastern border. The allied forces are to be positioned in the area while the military exercises take place. This step is intended to reinforce border protection and prevent individuals from crossing the border unlawfully.
Kulbergs, from the United List, and Dombrava, from the National Alliance, made the statements during a conversation with reporters. Their remarks clarify that the government prefers to strengthen border security with the help of allied troops rather than halting operations at the checkpoint. The deployment is expected to occur near Latvia's eastern border during the planned exercises.
The decision comes against the background of the Interior Ministry's earlier proposal to temporarily close Paternieki. The government's chosen approach aims to maintain the normal functioning of the border crossing while ensuring adequate security measures are in place.
