BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS

DATE:

14/03/2007

EU worried about arrests in Belarus

BRUSSELS (EUX.TV) - The European Commission on Wednesday expressed its concern over the arrests of two opposition members in Belarus.

"I am dismayed at the reported arrests yesterday in Minsk of Vintsuk Vyachorka, chairman of the Belarusian Popular Front, and of Vyachaslaw Siwchyk, a prominent member of Belarus democratic opposition," said European Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner in a statement.

According to the Commission, Vyachorka and Siwchyk have faced numerous arrests in the past, and jail sentences for having expressed their political opinion.

Ferrero-Waldner urged the Belarusian authorities to release the two immediately, as well as all others detained on political grounds.

"It should be remembered that the offer the EU has made to Belarus, to engage in a partnership as part of the European Neighbourhood Policy, is subject to Belarus taking steps towards democratisation and respect for human rights, including the inalienable right of the people of Belarus to express themselves freely," she said.

Source:

http://www.eux.tv/article.aspx?articleId=4613