Andrei Rybakov explains what Belaruskali is trying to achieve in court against Lithuania

On December 2, Belaruskali filed a full statement of claim in the international investment arbitration against Lithuania in connection with its illegal actions, which resulted in the violation of the company's rights as a foreign investor, protected by an agreement between the governments of the two countries on the promotion and protection of investments. Andrei Rybakov, Director General of Belaruskali, commented on this decision of the Belarusian side in an interview with. This is reported by BELTA.

In early 2022, Lithuania stopped the transit of Belarusian potash fertilizers and unilaterally terminated the contract on cargo transportation with Belarus. In addition, the rights of the Belarusian side as an investor in the infrastructure of the port of Klaipeda were violated. Belaruskali is defending its rights in international arbitration.

"We are currently working in a calm mode, we have reformatted our logistics and are entering the international market with supplies of potash fertilizers in the required volume. This claim is not an emergency or urgent one, we do not have force majeure. This is a cold, deliberate decision to bring to justice for an unprecedented violation of our rights. Having worked for several years in a new format, having built new mechanisms and logistics solutions, we have more accurately assessed the damage caused to us. And we are presenting all our claims in this claim with a cold calculation in order to achieve full compensation for these costs from the defendant," said Andrei Rybakov.

According to him, the claim is complex and multifactorial. "It was prepared by professional lawyers with our participation. The claim has been submitted for review to the interested parties," noted the General Director of Belaruskali.

He also explained what the main goals of the Belarusian side are in filing the claim. "No one should have the impression that our rights can be violated with impunity. Our country will always respond to such actions. This is a message for those who will try to violate our rights in the future. In addition, we want to obtain compensation for damages. The amount is very significant, it will be analyzed by all parties and will be discussed and weighed during the process. The statement provides all the necessary calculations, everything is clear and understandable, in our opinion. The final decision is up to the arbitration court," concluded Andrei Rybakov.