Štefan Füle hopes to see Bialiatski in Brussels soon

The European Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy hopes that invitation of Makei to Brussels can bring positive results for political prisoners in Belarus.

He spoke about it to Radio Svaboda.

– What did you say to Belarusian foreign minister Uladzimir Makei? What did he say to you?

We talked before the meeting and we both agreed that his presence means or represents the stable ties with the Belarusian authorities. On the one hand, it means the implementation of the conditions set by all EU member states, but on the other hand it is using the Eastern Partnership's proposals both in the multilateral and bilateral dimension.

– Is Makei the person you want to see as Belarus's representative at the Vilnius Summit in November?

A decision depends on all EU member states. It depends on the hosting party – the President of the European Council and the President of Lithuania. But the member states gave to understand that there would be some problems with invitation of the persons from the so called blacklist.

– A protest picket against the visit of the Belarusian foreign minister was held in front of the European Council building. Protesters say they can already see Makei in Brussels and ask when they will see Ales Bialiatski here.

I hope it will happen soon. New opportunities of cooperation with the authorities on a new level appeared. It doesn't allow us to forger about our requirements and conditions and can also strengthen them. I think we must confirm our position long before the beginning of the summit in Vilnius not only for our own interests, but also for the Belarusian authorities so that they could make the best of these opportunities.

Belarusian foreign minister Uladzimir Makei takes part in the meeting of Eastern Partnership foreign ministers in Brussels. The International Federation for Human Rights organises a picket on this occasion.