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Europe tries to come to terms with dictator again

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Europe tries to come to terms with dictator again

European politicians hope that someone of the political prisoners could be released one of these days.

Such an impression Gunnar Wiegand, Director for Russia, Eastern Partnership, Central Asia, Regional Cooperation and OSCE - European External Action Service (EEAS) had after his meetings in the Foreign Ministry of Belarus.

This statement of the European diplomat was confirmed to Radio Svaboda by participants of meetings with him, the chairman of the Belarusian Helsinki Committee Aleh Hulak and the leader of the United Civil Party Anatol Lyabedzka.

On February 9 the EEAS chief Gunnar Wiegand met with representatives of civil society in Minsk.

The European Union is not going to change its policy while political prisoners stay behind the bars, Gunnar Wiegand stated.

“When the European politician was asked whether the Belarusian authorities promised something to him, he answered that probably in the next few weeks someone of key political prisoners would be released. In addition, the authorities do not exclude a political reform would be held after the parliamentary election,” “Nasha Niva” newspaper was told by Alyaksei Yanukovich, the chairman of the Belarusian Popular Front party.

Yanukevich says that the meeting was held “for exchange of opinions and experience.” Directions of the country’s modernization were discussed.

“Mr Wiegand assured that the EU would devote attention not only to vital political issues, but to modernization of the country in other directions – economy and social sphere,” the politician said. In order to achieve that, the European Union plans to invite representatives of the government to working groups as well.

“It was vividly discussed. The majority believes that such contacts are necessary. We do not fear these contacts as much as officials themselves,” Yanukevich said.

“It was said at the meeting that the European Union would not change its policy towards the authorities,” the politician said. Political prisoners remain a deterrent.

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