BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS

DATE:

26/03/2008

Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner on the arrests of Belarusian citizens yesterday, March 25th in Minsk

This is a press release from the European Commission

Yesterday around a hundred Belarusian citizens were arrested during the 25th March celebrations in Minsk.

It is unacceptable that peaceful demonstrators, including journalists, were reportedly arrested and some subjected to violent treatment. Such actions directly contradict the fundamental values of freedom of expression, and freedom of assembly, and we should all demand the immediate and unconditional release of those arrested while demonstrating peacefully.

I am all the more dismayed by these events, since we had recently seen some more positive actions by the Belarusian authorities: the release of 5 out 6 of the internationally recognised political prisoners, suspension of the court case against the Belarus Helsinki Committee, and the final steps paving the way for the opening of an EC delegation in Minsk.

The Belarusian authorities must understand that the positive momentum created by these acts needs to be confirmed if we are to engage in a full partnership. The final release of all political prisoners, including Aleksandr Kazulin, and the end of harassment of civil society are concrete steps that could progressively open the way for a normalisation of our relations.

The EU has offered a full partnership with Belarus provided that Belarus takes convincing steps towards democratisation, respect for human rights and the rule of law. That offer remains open.

In the meantime, we in the European Commission will continue to seek every opportunity to engage with civil society in Belarus and to support the Belarusian people.

Contact:

Christiane HOHMANN 02/299 11 96

Source:

http://europa.eu/rapid/

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