BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS

DATE:

31/01/2007

EU slates Belarus action against human rights group

The European Union (EU) condemned the Belarussian government on Tuesday for evicting human rights group the Belarussian Helsinki Committee (BHC).

Benita Ferrero-Waldner, European commissioner for external relations and European neighborhood policy, said she was " extremely concerned" about the future of the Belarussian Helsinki Committee after it was forced to leave its office in Minsk Monday following an order by the Belarussian authorities to vacate the premises.

Recalling earlier Belarussian accusations that the human rights group evaded taxes, the commissioner "strongly condemn these latest actions by the Belarus authorities, at a time when the country claims a willingness to engage in dialogue."

"I call upon the Belarussian authorities to immediately cease the harassment of the BHC and to respect the rights of NGOs," she said in a statement.

Ferrero-Waldner said the EU's offer to engage in a close relationship with Belarus as a partner within the European Neighborhood Policy is "subject to Belarus taking steps towards democratization and respect for human rights, including respect for the rights of NGOs and civil society."

The Belarussian Helsinki Committee has said that because it no longer has a legal address, it will be subject to liquidation under Belarus law.

Source: Xinhua

Source:

http://english.people.com.cn/200701/31/eng20070131_346205.html