In Vilnius, Emmanuel Macron looks towards Russia and calls for a transition in Belarus

French President Emmanuel Macron during the press conference at the Presidential Palace in Vilnius, Lithuania on September 28, 2020. Ludovic MARIN / AFP

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Emmanuel Macron arrived in Vilnius for a two-day visit to the Baltic region.

As of Monday, September 28, Emmanuel Macron met his Lithuanian counterpart, Gitanas Nauseda.

But the discussions between the two heads of state quickly focused on Russia and Belarus.

Unmissable questions from Vilnius.

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From our correspondent in Vilnius

, 

Marielle Vitureau

It is a historic event for Lithuanians, because the last visit of a French president dates back to 2001. The head of state praised the progress made since Lithuania's return to independence 30 years ago.

But in Vilnius, Russia is all set.

200 kilometers to the west is the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad.

In Vilnius, in the white salon of the presidential palace, under the gilding, Emmanuel Macron mainly sought to explain the purpose of his

dialogue with Russia

, initiated a year ago.

“ 

If we want to build lasting peace on the European continent, we have to work with Russia, because we share a history and a geography.

And we share this story sometimes for the worse.

We cannot pretend that Europe is an island far from Russia.

And therefore this neighborhood calls for strategic work

 , ”said Emmanuel Macron.

Upcoming meeting with Svetlana Tikhanovskaïa

All of this, as the French President pointed out, without complacency or naivety and by informing his partners in complete transparency.

France, Lithuania and Latvia have all three proposed a plan to the European Union to protect the elections from cyber attacks and disinformation.

Belarus has been the other big topic of discussions between the two presidents.

Emmanuel Macron called on Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko to step down.

Called on by Belarusian opponent

Svetlana Tikhanovskaïa

to play a mediator role, Emmanuel Macron will meet her during a private interview.

He will be the first high-ranking Western leader to meet the leader of the Belarusian opposition, who had to go into exile in Vilnius.

► To read also: Belarus: for Emmanuel Macron, "it is clear that Lukashenko must leave"

We do not recognize the election of President Lukashenko, and therefore, we do not recognize his status as President-elect.

French President Emmanuel Macron on the crisis in Belarus

Marielle Vitureau

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