He says it’s necessary to prevent the formation of diversion groups in Lithuania in the event of unrest.
"To prevent any chances for the formation of diversion groups favorable to hostile states and their activities, i.e. citizens of a hostile foreign state living here may take up arms to defend the interests of their country of origin in critical cases due to ideological affinity or civic loyalty. And it would be appropriate to prohibit the citizens of countries which do not meet the criteria for European and transatlantic integration from acquiring and possessing weapons while permanently residing in Lithuania," Kasciunas told BNS.
Under his proposed amendments to the existing Law on Control of Weapons and Ammunition, permanent residents of Lithuania who are not citizens of countries that meet the criteria of European and transatlantic integration chosen by Lithuania would be prohibited from acquiring and possessing weapons in Lithuania.
People who already possess such weapons would have to give them up within one year of the law's entry into force by selling them, converting them or handing them over to the police, and their weapon permits would be revoked. Failure to do so would result in confiscation.
There are currently 294 Russian and 46 Belarusian citizens in Lithuania who have permits to keep or carry weapons, Kasciunas said.
He also points out that the Estonian government has already approved similar amendments.