BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS

DATE:

24/11/2008

Statement by Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy Benita Ferrero-Waldner following recent developements in Belarus especially with regard to the media sector

"I welcome the announcement of Belarus on 19 November to take concrete steps to allow the printing and distribution of the two independent newspapers "Narodnaia Volia" and "Nasha Niva" and to discuss the international norms with regard to the internet media. I also welcome Belarus's readiness to discuss in detail OSCE/ODIHR recommendations regarding the improvement of the electoral legislation. These are important and encouraging steps from Belarus and I am looking forward to their swift implementation as well as additional steps announced by Belarus in line with the EU's expectations. For its part, the Commission is intensifying technical dialogue with Belarus in fields of mutual interest and I anticipate concrete results to help foster Belarus's economic devlopment. I also recall the EU commitment of 13 October to reengage with Belarus and to further review its sanctions against Belarusian individuals in the light of further progress towards democracy, respect for human rights and the rule on law. In this context, it is essential that Belarus remains a country without political prisoners and respects freedom of expression, association and assembly. In this regard, I note in particular the case of Mr Barazenka who is due to stand trial shortly and which we will follow closely."

Contact: Christiane Hohmann: 02/2991196

Source:

http://www.delblr.ec.europa.eu/page2328.html?id=5845

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