Hluboka nad Vltavou, 30/03/2009 (Agence Europe) - The EU27 are moving towards consensus to ensure that Belarus is invited to take part in the summit to launch the Eastern Partnership on 7 May. Whereas the foreign affairs ministers were in favour of the country's involvement, no official decision was taken on Friday 27 March about the attendance of Alexander Loukashenko himself. Whether or not he is invited, the Europeans hope that the president will not come to Prague (where the summit is still scheduled to take place for the time being). The diplomats present at the Gymnich said that they are counting on the "political sense" of the leader, who is believed to be inclined to be represented (by his foreign affairs minister or another minister).
There are "still differences of opinion", acknowledged Commissioner for the External Relations Benita Ferrero-Waldner after the meeting (the Netherlands notably voiced their opposition to Mr Lukashenko's attendance). "We would like everybody to be present at the summit", said Javier Solana for his part. "We will do all in our power to ensure that everybody who is covered by the Eastern Partnership will be represented", added the high representative of the EU for CFSP. (A.B./transl.fl)