Presidents of Lithuania, Latvia and Poland Gitanas Nausėda, Edgars Rinkevics and Andrzej Duda refused to take a joint photo at the UN Climate Change Conference COP28 in Dubai because of the presence of Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko. This is reported by the Lithuanian broadcaster LRT, according to UNN.
Details
It would be hypocrisy to stand side by side with the head of the state that became the center of Russia's aggression against Ukraine and discuss the future of the world and climate change anywhere
SEE ALSO: Human rights situation in Belarus continues to deteriorate sharply - Borrell
According to him, the Belarusian regime is contributing to the destruction of the future world and, together with Russia, is responsible for what is happening in Ukraine. In particular, for the deaths of thousands of people and the catastrophic impact on the environment.
This is called a family photo. Lukashenko does not belong to the family we want to belong to, the Lithuanian president said.
Addendum
Along with him, the presidents of Latvia and Poland, Edgars Rinkēvičs and Andrzej Duda, also refused to take a joint photo at the meeting of world leaders at the UN Climate Change Conference COP28 in Dubai.
Even before the war in Ukraine unleashed by Russia in 2022, the authoritarian leader of Belarus was condemned for repressing the opposition, restricting democratic freedoms, and the influx of migrants to the eastern EU members.
After February 24, Western leaders accused Lukashenka of allowing Russia to use Belarusian territory as a springboard for an attack on Ukraine.
Recall
At the COP28 climate summit, the need for a gradual phase-out of fossil fuels is being discussedand low-income countries dependent on oil are calling for international support to prevent economic collapse.
SEE ALSO: COP28 in Dubai will be 'moment of truth' for oil industry - International Energy Agency head