You're reading: Lukashenko pledges ‘not to restrain migrants’

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has said that Belarus has neither the money nor the ability to deter illegal migrants, the Belarusian state-run news agency BelTA reported.

“I’ve said in all honesty that we will no longer keep those who you bullied in Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq. We have neither the money nor the strength as a result of your sanctions,” Lukashenko said at a ceremonial meeting dedicated to the Independence Day of the Republic of Belarus on July 2.

The Lithuanian government earlier on July 2 declared an emergency throughout the country amid a great influx of illegal migrants crossing the border with Belarus.