Jacek Saryusz-Wolski: Release of political prisoners is a key issue

The EU will repeat its stance at a meeting in Brussels where Makei has been invited to.

This statement was made by Polish MEP and Euronest Vice Chair Jacek Saryusz-Wolski, Radio Racyja reports.

“I think both parties won't change their positions. No changes are likely to be made. Uladzimir Makei was invited because the EU had initiated to suspend sanctions on him. Let's wait and see if he will accept the invitation. I think he will. I recall the Eastern Partnership Summit in Warsaw, when then foreign minister Siarhei Martynau rejected the invitation,” he said.

Belarusian MFA spokesman Andrei Savinykh says Belarus is considering Uladzimir Makei's possible participation in the summit. The decision is expected to be announced ahead of the event on July 22.

The Euronest Vice Chair noted that if the Belarusian foreign minister chose to attend the event, he would be asked about the release and rehabilitation of political prisoners.

“The EU will repeat its position for Uladzimir Makei. Changes will depend on his answer. The release of political prisoners is one of the key requirements for any progress,” Jacek Saryusz-Wolski said.

The EaP foreign ministers will have a meeting in Brussels on July 22. Belarusian minister of foreign affairs Uladzimir Makei was invited to the meeting. The EU suspended sanctions on him in June.

Photo: Wojciech Olkuśnik / AG