BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS

DATE:

21/11/2006

EU steps up pressure on Belarus with broadcasts highlighting benefits of reforms

The Associated Press

BRUSSELS, Belgium: The European Union was to increase pressure on Belarus Tuesday by broadcasting a message to the people of the former Soviet republic listing benefits they could enjoy from closer ties with the EU if their government introduces democratic reforms.

"The people of Belarus have a right to know what they are missing," said EU External Affairs Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner.

The message, which was to be transmitted by EU-backed broadcasters and nongovernment organizations, holds out the prospect of increased trade, job opportunities, easier travel to the West, and EU aid to hospitals, schools, energy networks and the environment.

In a statement, the EU said the people of Belarus were "the first victims of the isolation imposed by the country's authorities and will be the first to reap the benefits on offer to a democratic Belarus."

The EU has largely cut contacts with the government of Belarus, imposing financial sanctions and a travel ban on President Alexander Lukashenko and other leaders it accuses of rigging elections and cracking down on opponents.

To gain the benefits of closer contact with the EU, Belarus would have to allow free elections and meet standards of free speech, human rights, independent media and judiciary, the EU said.

Belarusian authorities did not comment on the European initiative, news of which was officially relayed to the Foreign Ministry and presidential administration by the EU mission chief for Belarus.

The country's opposition leader, Alexander Milinkevich, said that it would show Belarusians that the European Union was not hostile to Belarus as claimed by the authoritarian leadership.

"Now Lukashenko can no longer mislead Belarusians by saying that Europe is the enemy and there is nothing good there for Belarus," he told The Associated Press.

"The EU is willing to support Belarus with serious financial means," adding that the opposition would do all in its power to broadcast the EU message as widely as possible.

Source:

http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2006/11/21/europe/EU_GEN_EU_Belarus.php

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