BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS

DATE:

2005-12-06

Belarus blasts Western interference in legislation

MOSCOW, Dec. 6 (Xinhuanet) -- Belarus on Tuesday criticized attempts by the United States and the European Union (EU) to interfere in its lawmaking process.

"Washington and Brussels are trying one more time to influence overtly the law-making process in Belarus in violation of the key principle of non-interference in other countries' domestic affairs in international relations," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement, according to the Itar-Tass news agency.

President Alexander Lukashenko has submitted to parliament amendments to the country's criminal and criminal procedure codes,which would authorize the court to impose prison sentences for defamation of Belarus and its authorities and for making subversive calls to seize power or forcefully change the constitutional system.

The United States and the EU claimed these amendments violate international law and contradict Minsk's commitments to human rights.

The Foreign Ministry accused the United States and the EU of resorting to threats and sanctions in relations with countries that do not share their political views.

"This approach is an absolutely inadequate basis for the development of closer and deeper relations with Belarus. We suggest another basis -- equal and mutually profitable dialogue ona whole range of issues," the statement said.

Source:

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-12/06/content_3885372.htm

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