The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, emphasised on Thursday 9 July that the presidential elections in Belarus taking place on 9 August would be “very important for charting the way forward and defining relations” between Minsk and the EU.
Addressing MEPs, Mr Borrell said that the EU should remain open to further developing relations with Belarus and should continue to support its sovereignty and independence (see EUROPE 12491/29).
However, “this development can only be based on positive steps in the field of democracy, the Rule of law, human rights, and fundamental freedoms”, he warned.
The High Representative therefore expressed serious concerns about restrictions on the freedom of assembly and expression, including reported detentions of peaceful demonstrators, bloggers and journalists in the run-up to the presidential elections (see EUROPE 12498/29).
“The harassment and persecution of leading opposition candidates must end. Fundamental freedoms must be respected and every candidate and voter must be able to exercise their civil and political rights”, he added, hoping that the EU would be invited to observe the presidential election.
The High Representative also called for the immediate and unconditional release of any people who have been arbitrarily detained. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)