EP resolution on Belarus adopted – repressions condemned

Further violations of human right can lead to returning to sanctions on Lukashenka’s regime.

The resolution condemning condition of the civil society and national minorities in Belarus was passed in the European Parliament by majority vote. The session in Strasbourg was able to be watched online on the official website of the European Parliament, BelaPAN reports.

The adopted resolution was agreed upon by five EP political groups.

The document in particular expresses concern over human rights violations in relation to activists and representatives of the unregistered Union of Poles in Belarus led by Andzelika Borys.

MEPS called on Belarus authorities to register the party Belarusian Christian Democracy, guarantee freedom of speech and associations, and create conditions for work of NGOs and the media.

The resolution also urges to release political activists Ivan Mikhailau, Artsyom Dubski, and Andrei Bandarenka, stop persecution of Tatsyana Shaputska and give up attempts to control the internet.

The document notes that further violation of human rights can lead to revising EU’s positions on Belarus including re-imposing sanctions.

Progress in democracy will allow Belarus to benefit from a Partnership and Cooperation Agreement with the EU, another loan from the International Monetary Fund and a restoration of the Generalised System of Preferences, the document says.

The MEPs spoke that the EO resolution demonstrates Europe’s solidarity with the civil society and national minorities in Belarus.

The European Union should send a clear signal to Belarus warning the country it may face serious troubles due human rights violations, a MEP said.