BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS

DATE:

20/11/2008

Council of Europe conference supports democratic change in Belarus

A Council of Europe conference in Vilnius (Lithuania) on 21 November will encourage democratic change in Belarus in the aftermath of the 2008 parliamentary elections. The aim of the conference is for Belarusian civil society and the democratic forces in the country to learn the lessons of the last electoral campaign and assess the problems and obstacles that arose during the electoral process.

The participants in the meeting will discuss ways of reducing electoral fraud, upholding civil society and improving freedom of the media in order to give citizens the possibility to make a free and conscious choice.

The Committee of Ministers (the Council of Europe's decision-making body) expressed on several occasions the hope that Belarus, as an integral part of Europe and a country whose people have contributed to the common European heritage, will soon fulfil the conditions for becoming a fully-fledged member of the Organisation. The Council of Europe's doors remain open to new members whose authorities by its international commitments to democracy and co-operate on democratic reforms and the promotion of European values.

Source:

http://www.isria.info/RESTRICTED/D/2008/NOVEMBER_20/diplo_20november2008_1.htm

Google
 


Partners:
Face.by Social Network
Face.by