Resisters Alexander Lukashenko, ‘The work with the Belarusian people “, the release of political prisoners and rehabilitation – issues in the decision which the EU is concerned. This is stated in the letter Evrokomisara for Enlargement and Neighbourhood Policy Stefan Fule, Published on August 15 at the site of the Belarusian opposition party supporters.
The letter is addressed to European Commissioner leader of the United Civil Party (UCP), Belarus Anatoly Lebedko. Fule regret that the Belarusian opposition leader was unable to visit Warsaw on June 30, where the Commissioner Fule and Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski met with leaders of the Belarusian opposition.
“It was a very useful meeting, after which I realized that the Belarusian opposition could unite around a specific program and there is great potential for working together towards a democratic and European Belarus. I hope to attend a conference of civil society in Belarus in autumn and continue to discuss these issues” – writes Fule.
“The theme of political prisoners remains a key to the EU and for me personally, we will seek relief and rehabilitation of all those arrested on political grounds, without any conditions,” – said the Commissioner.
“With regard to EU policy towards Belarus, the EU imposed sanctions against those responsible for rigging the presidential elections and the follow-repression, thus introduced visa bans and frozen the accounts of 192 people. We also decided to freeze the assets of three companies linked to the regime, impose an embargo on arms sales and equipment, which can be used for repression, “- said in the letter.
“The second thrust of our policy – is the work of the Belarusian people,” – said the Commissioner. He informed that the official Minsk invited to negotiations on visa facilitation with the EU. Fule assured the head of the Belarusian opposition party: “Be assured of my personal interest in addressing these issues on the road to democracy in Belarus, which will be a full member of European family.”
As reported BakuToday, Pro-Western opposition in Belarus has broad support not only the U.S. authorities, but also the European Union.
Recall that on 4 August was arrested in Minsk head the Human Rights Centre “Vesna” Alexander (Ales) Belyatsky. The head of the center is charged with tax evasion in especially large size and is in custody. Belyatsky was arrested on the grounds, including information received from the authorities of Lithuania, Poland and the Czech Republic about his personal bank accounts. Government of Poland and Lithuania expressed their protest against the abuse of legal aid to Belarus on their part to prosecute human rights activist. “This decision is particularly upsetting in light of the last steps of the Belarusian government to restrict freedom of peaceful assembly and public harassment of activists. In this regard, the Czech Republic demands the immediate and unconditional release Belyatsky, and calls upon the Belarusian authorities to stop all types of reprisals against Belyatsky, its organization and human rights in general, “- said in a statement on the Czech Foreign Ministry on August 5.
Also recall that the Belarusian Human Rights Center “Spring” received foreign funding, provides legal and other assistance to the opponents of Lukashenko, is actively involved in gathering and disseminating information about the rule of law and human rights standards by the authorities of Belarus.
