BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS

DATE:

11/11/2005

Russia refutes EU's view of Belarus's democracy

The Russian Foreign Ministry Thursday refuted the European Union's assertion that Belarus is "a problem zone", saying that the EU should consider the country's realities, the Itar-Tass news agency reported.

"We cannot agree with the European Union's assertion that Belarus is a problem zone, as regards democracy," the foreign ministry said.

Russia maintains that "any steps to promote democratic process in Belarus, just as in any other country, should be adjusted to local realities," it added.

The ministry emphasized that imposing some universal schemes on individual countries does not help strengthen democracy and create a united Europe.

Russia backs expanded dialogue between the EU and Belarus and believes that "would help remove the existing concerns of the EU," said the ministry.

Source:

http://english.people.com.cn/200511/11/eng20051111_220462.html