The Latvian Ministry of the Interior is proposing to the government to officially suspend the operation of the 'Paternieki' border crossing on the border with Belarus. If the Cabinet of Ministers supports the initiative, it will mean that neither passengers nor freight transport will be able to cross the border through the only previously operational road crossing, reports [TV3 News](https://tv3.lv/zinas/latvija/kas-notiks-talak-paternieku-robezkontroles-punkta-aizversana-kravu-parvadatajus-parsteigusi-negaiditi/). Until now, the authorities explained the closure of the crossing by technical problems in the operation of information systems. However, it has now become known that the decision is related to planned tightening of measures to combat illegal migration. For the transport sector, the border closure came as a complete surprise. According to Alexander Poцiluyko, head of the Latvian Road Carriers Association 'Latvijas auto', carriers were not warned in advance. > "There was no warning, no official information, no order, no directive — absolutely nothing. The system was working, customs was processing cargo, the electronic queue was functioning. The border guards simply announced that for technical reasons we would not be allowed to pass," he said. ## Carriers warn of rising costs The State Border Guard recommends using the border crossings on the Lithuanian-Belarusian border; however, industry representatives believe this will significantly complicate transport. According to Poцiluyko's estimates, the detour through Lithuania will increase costs by about 700 euros per trip. In addition, the changes will affect international transport between Central Asian countries, China, and Europe, where Latvian carriers work together with partners from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. At the same time, the head of the association points out that the explanation about technical malfunctions raises questions. He notes that a similar information system is used at the border crossings on the Russian border, which continue to operate as usual. ## Authorities do not disclose details The State Border Guard has not yet reported when the operation of the crossing may be restored and suggests contacting the Ministry of the Interior for comments. The ministry itself also declined to comment in detail on the situation. > "Unfortunately, at this moment we cannot comment on this issue. As soon as it is possible to provide a comment, I will inform you," said Maria Luize Ratniece, advisor to the Minister of the Interior. Earlier, Minister of the Interior Janis Dombrava stated that he is considering additional measures to combat illegal migration, but did not disclose what exactly. Now the ministry officially proposes to keep the 'Paternieki' crossing closed. In this case, only the railway crossing 'Indra' will continue to operate on the Latvia-Belarus border. According to the Ministry of the Interior, the pressure of illegal migration on the Latvia-Belarus border remains high. The department believes that the available resources are insufficient for the full operation of road crossings and enhanced protection of the 'green' border at the same time. The final decision now rests with the government. If the Ministry of the Interior's proposal is approved, road communication between Latvia and Belarus through 'Paternieki' will cease for an indefinite period.