Brussels, 21/11/2006 (Agence Europe) - European Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy, Benita Ferrero-Waldner, published a document on Tuesday setting out the benefits Belarus could gain from a rapprochement between the EU and Belarus within the framework of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP). This document, presented the same day both in Minsk and Brussels, provides examples that the EU could give Belarus in support were the country to engage in democratisation and respect for human rights and rule of law. The document stresses that the people of Belarus have been the first victims of the isolation imposed by the authorities of their country and will be the first to benefit from a democratisation of the country. It also says that the current political situation and lack of progress is due to the Lukashenka regime. Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner said: “The people of Belarus have a right to know what they are missing”. She launched the following message, “that as soon as the country indicates a willingness to move towards true democracy, human rights and rule of law, we will be ready to enter into a full partnership with Belarus within the framework of the ENP”. She added: “I hope the people of Belarus will see this paper as a chance to look towards a democratic future, and that the government of Belarus will take this opportunity to begin the reforms their people need, and end their isolation.”
Aid could take several forms and allow for: a) new trade opportunities to boost the Belarusian economy; b) improve provision of healthcare and education and support for the most vulnerable in society; c) improved transport and energy networks, and management of environmental issues; d) reform of the legal and judicial system; e) greater cross-border co operation. This raft of aid measures would become a reality if the country's authorities guaranteed citizens the right to exercise certain rights, particularly that of electing its leaders democratically, freedom of speech, access to independent news, freedom of association and free and transparent treatment before the law. This information initiative by the Commission is aimed at the Belarus people and is part of the support effort for democratisation and civil society, which previously this year took the shape of funding for independent media (internet programmes, TV, radio and training journalists etc)., the European University of Human Sciences exiled in Vilnius (€2.2 million) and student grants (€4.5 million).
Bogdan Klich the president of the European Parliament delegation in charge of relations with Belarus welcomed the Commissioner's approach, which offered a genuine indication of European commitment for democratisation in the country. In a press release Klich declared, “The people of Belarus fully deserve the benefits of the ENP and should know that it is the dictatorial regime that has stripped them of these rights through pushing the country into the self-destructive isolation”. He added, “This situation is deplorable and should not be tolerated any longer…I therefore strongly encourage the Belarus authorities…to respond positively to the offer of the European Commission”. The Commission document is available at: http: //ec.europa.eu/comm/external_relations/belarus/intro/non_paper_1106.pdf. (ab)