Bundestag representative in PACE: Presidential election in Belarus must be held in keeping with international standards

The deputy head of the German delegation to PACE Wolfgang Wodarg has named the conditions of possible Belarus’ membership in the Council of Europe.

The statement has been made by the German politician and Bundestag member (Social democrats faction) on the eve of the opening of the PACE session in Strasbourg, Radio Svaboda informs.

As said by the politician, starting from summer 2008 “careful liberalization” could be observed in Belarus. Some political prisoners were released; two independent newspapers are sold via the state-run system of distribution, possibilities for work of non-governmental organisations have become wider. In this situation the Council of Europe sees chances for support and development of the civil society.

To the question what should happen in Belarus for not only the observer status in the Council of Europe to be returned for the country, but for it to become a member of this organisation, the German politician Wolfgang Wodarg answered:

“Many things are to be done. The imminent presidential and parliamentary elections are to be held in keeping with the international standards. Oppositional forces should develop more. We are waiting for release of all political prisoners, and implementing the right for fair trial. Besides, the Council of Europe calls upon Minsk to abolish capital punishment”.

As said by the deputy head of the German delegation to the PACE, a few years to be needed for Belarus to become a member of the Council of Europe.