BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS

DATE:

14/03/2007

EU calls on Belarus to release jailed opposition leaders

Brussels, March 14, IRNA

The European Union criticized Wednesday the arrest of two political leaders in Belarus and called for their immediate release.

"I am dismayed at the reported arrests yesterday in Minsk of Vintsuk Vyachorka, chairman of the Belarusian Popular Front, and of Vyachaslaw Siwchyk, a prominent member of Belarus democratic opposition," European Commissioner for External Relations, Benita Ferrero-Waldner, said in a statement.

She urged the Belarusian authorities to release Mr Vyachorka and Mr Siwchyk immediately, as well as all others detained on political grounds.

It should be remembered that the offer the EU has made to Belarus, to engage in a partnership as part of the European Neighbourhood Policy, is subject to Belarus taking steps towards democratisation and respect for human rights, including the inalienable right of the people of Belarus to express themselves freely, said the Commissioner.

Source:

http://www2.irna.ir/en/news/view/menu-234/0703142191215656.htm