Ronald Pofalla calls situation in Belarus “very difficult”

The problems of political prisoner remains the main issue in the relations between the European Union and the Belarusian authorities.

This remark was made by Chief of Staff of the German Chancellery Ronald Pofalla at a meeting with representatives of the Belarusian civil society in Vilnius on June 7, BelaPAN news agency learned from head of the United Civil Party Anatol Lyabedzka, who participated in the meeting.  

“Pofalla stressed the problem of political prisoners remains a sore point in the relations between the European Union and official Minsk,” Lyabedzka said.

The Chief of Staff of the German Chancellery  thinks the situation in Belarus has never been more difficult during the years of Alyaksandr Lukashenka's rule, Lyabedzka notes. “He underlined no one should hope for a miracle and fast changes,” the UCP leader says.

According to Lyabedzka he emphasized at the meeting that “besides the problem of political prisoners, EU strategy should focus on honest and free elections on European standards”. “There will be changes if free elections in Belarus are held.”

Speaking about results of the meeting, Lyabedzka said the mere fact of the meeting with a high-ranking German politician was important, all the more so the initiative belonged to Pofalla.

“This is not his first meeting. He already proved his interest in Belarusian issues. It's a big plus for all of us when one of Germany's leading politicians shows his  interest in Belarus,” the UCP head said.