Brussels, 29/03/2012 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 29 March, the European Parliament finally adopted its resolution on Belarus. It was debated during the plenary session on 14 March and a vote on it was initially expected for 15 March. MEPs, however, ultimately decided to postpone the vote to see how the situation in the country developed (see EUROPE 10575)
In their common resolution, MEPs emphasise that it would be desirable for the Union to work actively towards developing good relations with Belarus by working closely with civil society and the democratic opposition, and supporting the democratic aspirations of the Belarus people. MEPs urge the Commission to support, both financially and politically, efforts by Belarus civil society, the independent media and non-governmental organisations to promote democracy. The Parliament also underlines “the necessity of strengthened cooperation” between the EU and eastern neighbours as part of the Eastern partnership and to launch a genuine democratic process for Belarus. The Parliament point out that dialogue between the EU and Minsk can only make progress if there is real progress at the level of democracy, human rights and the law and when all political prisoners are released.
MEPs also reiterate their “firm condemnation” of the deteriorating situation in human and fundamental rights, as well as the lack of democratic and economic reforms. The Parliament condemns the persecution against human rights activists and members of the democratic opposition, as well as the harassment of civil society activists and independent media. It explains that it will continue to protest against the repression of regime opponents and calls for the release of all political prisoners. The Parliament deplores the fact that the Belarus government has drawn up a list banning a number of opponents to the regime and human rights activists leaving the country or travelling abroad. MEPs are extremely critical of the executions of two men found guilty of an act of terrorism on the Minsk Metro and demand that the Belarus authorities immediately introduce a moratorium on the death penalty.
Welcoming the sanctions adopted by the Council on 28 February and 23 March, MEPs also called for further sanctions against the regime, “particularly targeted economic sanctions”. Furthermore, MEPs denounce the ideas expressed by President Lukashenko to German Foreign Affairs Minister Guido Westerwelle, with regard to the latter's homosexuality.
The Parliament calls on the national ice hockey federations to review their decision to organise their world championship in Belarus in 2014 and to examine the possibility of holding the championship in another host country, as long as the situation in Belarus has not improved. (CG/transl.fl)