BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS

DATE:

18/12/2008

Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy Benita Ferrero-Waldner welcomes registration of Belarus NGO "For Freedom"

"I welcome the registration of the Belarus NGO "For Freedom" by the Belarus authorities. This is a step in the right direction towards respect of NGO rights and for freedom of assembly that the EU has been consistently calling for.

At the same time I also congratulate the "For Freedom" movement and its chairman Mr Milinkevich and encourage an open and constructive debate among all those in Belarus who aim for the well-being and respect of the rights of the Belarusian people.

In response to the positive steps taken by Belarus, the Commission has already entered into an intensified dialogue with Belarus in fields such as energy, environment, customs, transport, food safety. We are open to further expand those technical talks which are beneficial for both sides.

Let me recall the EU's commitment of 13 October to reengage with Belarus and to further review its restrictive measures 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."

contact: Christiane Hohmann 02/2991196

Source:

http://www.delblr.ec.europa.eu/page2328.html?id=5968

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