Poland introduces buffer zone on border with Belarus

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has said that the Polish government has decided to introduce a buffer zone on the border with Belarus amid attempts of migrants to enter the country illegally.

The prime minister spoke about the results of the Polish government's visiting meeting, which was held in the city of Bialystok (located 50 kilometres from the border with Belarus), according to PAP.

"We have adopted a resolution, the practical consequence of which is the decree of the Ministry of Interior and Administration to create a buffer zone on the border with Belarus," Tusk said.

According to him, this way the Polish authorities want to make it more difficult for illegal migrants from Belarus to enter the country and ensure good conditions of service for border guards and military.

"We are talking about several dozen kilometres, 200 metres deep. There are places in the reserves where this zone will go two kilometres deep, but these are not long stretches. This is due to the presence of smugglers, who operate mainly in forest areas, 1-2 kilometres from the border. In these places, the zone will be wider," the official said.

According to him, the Polish authorities should use all methods to prevent migrants sent by the authorities of Russia and Belarus from crossing the border illegally.

"We will not back down here," Tusk emphasised.