Belgian soldiers expelled from Lithuania for drunkenness

The Belgian defense minister, Andre Flahauts, has issued a directive recalling from Lithuania three Belgian soldiers accused of violating military discipline and creating a public disturbance. The soldiers were serving on the NATO air base in the Lithuanian town of Siauliai.

As reported Monday by Lithuanian radio, local police in Sialiai had repeatedly warned in recent days that if NATO soldiers did not cease appearing on the city's streets in an intoxicated condition, 'appropriate measures' would be taken against them.

The warnings came following several incidents provoked by drunken NATO troops. Several days ago, five Danish and Belgian soldiers were beaten and robbed in the north of Lithuania. In addition, one of the Belgian officers was found dead drunk on a Siauliai street.