BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS
DATE:
07/11/2008
Higgins to raise Belarus travel ban on children in European Parliament
Fine Gael National Press Office Press Release
Leinster House Contact: Jim Higgins MEP
Dublin 2 Kerry Graye North West
Ireland 01 6183379 087 2855838
The blanket ban by the Government of Belarus on 'Chernobyl children' travelling to EU countries will be raised in the European Parliament by Fine Gael MEP Jim Higgins. A recent meeting between the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Chernobyl Ireland has so far failed to progress the issue any further.
Condemning the ban, Mr Higgins said: 'This decision came like a bolt from the blue. There was no official explanation for the ban from the Belarusian authorities. Not alone is it a major setback for the hundreds of young Chernobyl children who thought they would be coming to Ireland and other EU countries for Christmas holidays, it has created considerable disappointment for the many communities and families who look forward to hosting the youngsters'.
"While I appreciate that Minister Martin is doing his best to resolve the situation, I think it will require the collective voice of all EU member states in order to persuade the Belarus authorities to reverse the decision.
"I have tabled a Question to the French Presidency and I will be urging their Foreign Minister to lead a delegation from the EU in order to bring about a change of heart for what would seem to be a totally irrational and inhumane decision."
Source:
http://www.finegael.ie/news/index.cfm/type/details/nkey/35812/pkey/653
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