BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS

DATE:

22/11/2006

EU Offers Belarus Benefits for Reform

Reuters

BRUSSELS -- The European Union, in a fresh broadside against Belarussian President Alexander Lukashenko, told Belarussians on Tuesday that they would enjoy great economic and other benefits if their country were to pursue democratic reform.

EU External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner said an information campaign targeting Belarussians through the Internet, non-governmental bodies and EU-backed regional media was aimed at complementing the pressure exerted by sanctions, including travel bans and asset freezes against top Belarussian officials.

"This is a parallel strategy. ... We are not changing our policy of sanctions. We want to address the population directly and get our message across," she said.

The European Commission campaign lists the advantages for the country of a special EU relationship, including better trade ties, support for improved healthcare, transport and energy networks and easier access to EU visas.

Source:

http://www.moscowtimes.ru/stories/2006/11/22/045.html

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