Report: Germany wants Lithuania lift ban on transit to Kaliningrad

BERLIN, Jul 1 (PRIME) -- Lithuania may lift a transit ban on Russian goods to Kaliningrad very soon, partially due to Germany’s demand, German online edition Spiegel reported on Friday quoting sources.

“The dispute about a ban on transit of some goods to the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad is in motion. Spiegel’s imformation shows that the measure may be cancelled soon, partially after a request from Germany,” Spiegel reported.

The federal government of Germany insists that the region be excluded from the sanctions to avoid escalation of the situation. It is possible that Brussels publishes a guideline, or a legal explanation of the fourth package of sanctions to say that transportation to Kaliningrad is exempt from sanctions, Spiegel reported.

The German government was outraged by Lithuania’s actions, and Berlin does not share Vilnius’ opinion that transit of sanctioned goods should not be done through the E.U., as it is only permitted transportation route from Russia to Russia, it said.

Earlier in June, the Lithuanian railways notified the Kaliningrad railways about termination of transit of some goods, sanctioned by the E.U., since June 18. Transit of oil products to the Kaliningrad Region is to continue until August 10.

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