|
|
|
|
| World |
|
The U.S. President about Belarus
-
24/05/2005
U.S. President George W. Bush said that people in Belarus live under "the last remaining dictatorship in Europe" and deserve better. George Bush also said that the United States would work with countries in the region to ensure the next elections in Belarus are free.
"One of the roles the United States can play is to speak fairly about the need for Belarus to be free ... and make sure that the elections are free," Bush said in the interview in Washington. "That is the last remaining dictatorship in Europe."
The Belarus’ Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ruslan Yesin accused Bush in interfering its internal affairs, and said “U.S. is continuing its line of actions that go beyond the norms of the international law.”
Independent voices within Belarus expected such respond by the authorities and stated that Lukashenka regime saw a danger in such international attention. “They, no doubt, are scared that earlier or later people at last will be able to see that the democracy brings a better life. And then by an ordinary democratic way, voting process, democratic changes they will remove this power,” Andrey Fedarau said.
Though the opposition is not well-organized, the press is not free and the Lukashenka regime has a powerful police force, the moods in the society are changing towards freedom. Youth is already often in the street. And assistance with independent media publishing and leaflets door-to-door distribution, independent TV broadcast from the neighboring countries and international attention is an urgent need.
|
|
New European Parliament Resolution on Belarus
-
14/03/2005
The European Parliament (EP) adopted a new resolution on Belarus. Some key moments of that resolution are:
"neither the parliamentary nor the presidential elections of 2000 and 2001 were free and fair"
"the situation in Belarus continues to deteriorate... these violations include imprisonment of members of the democratic opposition and other forms of repression used against them, the de-registration of political parties in the run-up to the elections, harassment and intimidation of opposition candidates and the banning of representatives of opposition parties at polling stations"
"several political parties and more than 50 pro-democracy NGOs of different levels and different political persuasions, 25 independent mass media entities and several educational establishments have been closed"
"politically motivated arrests and trials of activists belonging to the democratic movement and independent journalists [continually taking place in Belarus]"
- Believes that the trial of Mr Marynich was politically motivated and that the conviction was a politically motivated abuse of the judicial system, which is further evidence of the lack of judicial independence in Belarus, betraying a general lack of respect for the rule of law and an overall climate of political repression;
- Calls on the Belarus authorities to release Mikhail Marynich immediately and unconditionally;
- Calls on the Belarus authorities to release immediately Valery Levonevsky, Alexander Vasilyev and all other imprisoned political opponents of the regime;
- Points out that Belarus is the only European country without contractual relations with the EU due to massive human rights violations and calls on the Council to condemn the current Belarus regime as a dictatorship and President Lukashenko as a dictator;
- Calls on the Council and the Governments of the Member States to identify and freeze the personal assets of President Lukashenko and those other senior members of the regime who ensure the continuation of the dictatorship;
- Calls on the Council and the Governments of the Member States to add to the list of representatives of the Belarusian authorities subject to the visa ban to prevent them from entering the territory of the EU Member States;
- Calls on the Council and the Member States to hold an independent investigation into the political disappearances in Belarus, and to set up a fund to help the families of the disappeared persons and other victims of the Belarus regime
As it was expected, the regime's representatives called this resolution ungrounded and politically motivated. Belarusian Prosecution office spokesman in particularly said: "The mention in resolution people were jailed for their crimes under appropriate article of law."
Independent voices in Belarus greeted the resolution as an attempt to improve the situation in the country. They believe that the requirements of the resolution may be met. In particular, relatives of political prisoners pin their hope on this adopted resolution.
Even though almost everything mentioned in this resolution was well known and some countries separately adopted similar resolutions before, the fact, that Resolution on Belarus was adopted at so high level as European Parliament gave this event a significant importance.
|
|
Marinich case and situation with other political prisoners in Belarus is
in attention of main European organizations
-
23/02/2005
A letter from the head of European Parliament Josep Borell
was sent to the Belarusian Embassy in European Community.
It that letter was expressed a deep concern over the Marinich case and
said particularly "The European Parliament strongly condemns, the persecution of citizens for reason of their political beliefs."
In the letter was also stated that "The trial did not meet international standards of transparency and due process" and expressed concern with the state of health of Mr. Marinich, who has also been adopted a "Prisoner of Conscience" by Amnesty international.
"In line with the statement of the EU Presidency and many voices within Belarus, I strongly call on the authorities of your country to guarantee a fair and transparent appeal procedure."
Meaning time the songs of Mikhail Marinich - Ihar and Ravel in the headquarters of OSCE commenced a series of meetings. In particular they had a talk with The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Miklos Haraszti. Earlier Ihar and Pavel met in Strasbourg with Secretary General of PACE Bruno Haller, representative of Legal affairs and Human rights committee of PACE David Milner and member of sub-committee on Belarus Sonia Sirtori-Milner, head of political department of Council of Europe Klaus Schumann, member of this department Ivan Koedjikov, head of office of Secretary General of PACE Petr Sich and told about circumstances of Mikhail Marinich arrest, investigation pressure on all political prisoners like their father and about the difficulties met by Belarus's civil society. Before this their visit to Strasbourg they attended Parliament of Europe and met with Aldis Kuskis, vice Chairman of Committee of foreign affairs Hendrik Ilves, representatives of Human Rights Unit Geoff Harris and Ursula Bausch, representative of Council of the EU Pirkka Tapiola.
All this allows to conclude that the situation with Marinich case and other political prisoners is in sight and attention of main European organizations.
|
|
EU to ban more Belarus officials after contested votes
-
23/11/2005
The European Union said it planned to plunge Belarus further into isolation by banning officials responsible for "fraudulent elections" and violence against opposition supporters from its territory. EU foreign ministers issued a hard-hitting statement at talks here that left no doubt about the 25-nation bloc`s anger at the policies of Belarus` autocratic leader Alexander Lukashenko following a referendum last month. The approach of President Lukashenko`s administration towards democracy and human rights continues "to prevent Belarus from taking its rightful place among European democratic countries", the ministers said.
They noted with "great concern" the conduct of elections and a referendum held on October 17, which gave Lukashenko the right to run for office for an unlimited period, and condemned an ensuing crackdown on the opposition.
The ministers said the EU stood ready to launch a dialogue with Lukashenko`s government as soon as it shows a "sincere willingness to re-engage".
But in the meantime, the bloc will tighten a visa ban already in place against Lukashenko and top members of his regime.
"The EU will introduce a visa ban against the officials directly responsible for the fraudulent elections and referendum, and against those responsible for severe human rights violations in the repression of peaceful demonstrations," the ministerial statement said.
The ministers said also that the EU would "seek the support of interested and like-minded countries" for its actions against Belarus, including through the United Nations.
The United States has joined the EU in imposing travel restrictions on Belarus leaders and has also angrily condemned last month`s ballots.
Dutch Foreign Minister Bernard Bot, whose country holds the rotating EU presidency, said the expanded visa blacklist was now being drafted.
"But I can assure you that it will enter into force as quickly as possible because we think the situation there is very serious," he told a news conference at the EU meeting.
"We are extremely concerned about the distinct lack of democracy and the rule of law. Belarus risks being isolated from the international community. We want to avoid that, but they have to show an opening," he added.
The EU ministers, while tightening the travel restrictions, said the bloc would redouble its efforts to reach out to civil society in Belarus to keep hopes of democracy alive.
EU External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner said the European Commission was organising a conference, to take place in Lithuania early next year, to gather non-governmental organisations and activists from Belarus.
"We have to try to get democracy moving there, although it is very difficult now to do so," she said.
|
|
OSCE Observers Noticed "Startlingly Great Number Of Violations"
-
20/10/2004
“A startlingly great number of violations” was recorded by the OSCE observers during the parliamentary elections and referendum in Belarus. It was said that by the head of the OSCE observers group Uta Zapf in an interview published in the newspaper “Financial Times Deutschland” ob October 18.
As the newspaper wrote, Uta Zapf with other observers was ‘throw out’ from one of the polling stations, which they wanted to inspect, and on the other polling station members of the election commission refused to answer the questions of the OSCE representatives.
Netherlands observer of the OSCE Jan Wiersma in an interview to the same newspaper told: “The EU and US from the outset had misgivings about the possibility of fair elections”. He expressed anxiety in connection with the fact that if the elections would not meet the international standards, it would negatively affect the relations between Belarus and the EU.
|
|
Venice Commission found referendum in Belarus non-democratic
-
12/10/2004
According to “Opinion about referendum on October 17” adopted on Friday Venice Commission found that question offered by Aliaksandr Lukashenka does not correspond to European standards. Venice Commission adopted decision based on comments of two experts Italian Mr. Sergio Bartole and Irish Mr. Matthew Russell says that “the question put on referendum causes several objections”.
In particular:
- It is partly in direct contradiction with the electoral law;
- It mixes an illicit privilege for a single person with a issue of great general importance;
- Its adoption would further aggravate the democratic deficit in a country already characterized by excessive powers of the President without adequate checks and balances;
- There are legitimate concerns as to whether a free and fair vote will be possible.
Venice commission also marks that “Some, but by no means all, of these concerns and objections could easily have been avoided if the President had limited the referendum to the constitutional issue, declaring his candidacy for a third term of office thereafter”.
According to the Commission “That he has not done so, introducing in addition an obviously illegal personal element into the referendum question, shows an approach to the functioning of the state in direct contradiction with European democratic standards”.
Also Venice Commission came to conclusion that: “The actions of the President of Belarus seem based on the assumption that a plebiscitarian vote of confidence of the people in his person would release him from any obligation to abide by the constitutional and legal rules in force in his country.”
|
|
Belarus Democracy Act Unanimously Passes U.S. House
-
06/10/2004
The Belarus Democracy Act, sponsored by United States Helsinki Commission Chairman Rep. Christopher H. Smith (R-NJ), unanimously passed the House of Representatives late Monday. Among bipartisan supporters of the measure were Commissioners Rep. Joseph R. Pitts (R-PA), Rep. Louise McIntosh Slaughter (D-NY), and Rep. Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL). The move comes less than two weeks before voters in the former Soviet republic elect a new parliament and decide whether to extend the rule of President-turned-dictator Alexander Lukashenka. Consideration of the Belarus Democracy Act by the United States Senate is expected prior to adjournment.
Chairman Smith hailed passage of the bill as an opportunity to promote democratic development in a country held hostage by Lukashenka`s dictatorial regime.
"With important parliamentary elections and a questionable referendum to extend Lukashenka`s rule beyond his two-term tenure set to expire in 2006, the United States has demonstrated our unwavering support for pro-democracy forces in Belarus," said Chairman Smith. "With passage of the Belarus Democracy Act, we send a strong signal that we stand firmly on the side of those who long for freedom."
"Lukashenka`s regime continues to trample upon basic rights and freedoms with impunity, giving Belarus the worst human rights record in Europe today," Chairman Smith added. High- ranking Belarusian officials have been implicated in the disappearances and presumed murders in 1999 and 2000 of political opposition leaders Yuri Zakharanka, Victor Gonchar, Anatoly Krasovsky and journalist Dmitri Zavadsky. Not surprisingly, these cases remain unresolved. Furthermore, over the last year, Lukashenka has increased harassment, arrests, detentions and violence against independent media, non-governmental organizations, independent trade unions, religious groups and political opposition leaders.
"The Belarusian people - who have suffered so much under the current and previous dictators - deserve to live in a society where democratic principles and human rights are respected," Smith said. "As matters stand now, the cards appear to be stacked in Lukashenka`s favor in the upcoming October 17 elections, since the regime has almost total control over the electoral process."
The Belarus Democracy Act is designed to promote democratic development, human rights and the rule of law in Belarus, as well as encourage the consolidation and strengthening of Belarus` sovereignty and independence. The bill authorizes necessary assistance for democracy-building activities such as support for non-governmental organizations, independent media - including radio and television broadcasting into Belarus - and international exchanges.
The Belarus Democracy Act also encourages free and fair parliamentary elections; supports imposition of sanctions on the Lukashenka regime; and requires reports from the president concerning the sale or delivery of weapons or weapons-related technologies from Belarus to rogue states and reports on Lukashenka`s personal wealth and assets as well as those of other senior Belarusian leaders.
The United States Helsinki Commission, an independent federal agency, by law monitors and encourages progress in implementing provisions of the Helsinki Accords. The Commission, created in 1976, is composed of nine Senators, nine Representatives and one official each from the Departments of State, Defense and Commerce.
|
|
EU May Punish Minsk for Lukashenko Referendum
-
13/09/2004
The European Union may take action against Belarus, including a visa ban and asset freezes, if the ex-Soviet state holds a referendum to extend the term of President Alexander Lukashenko, an EU official said Friday.
Lukashenko, already isolated by the West after criticism of his record on human rights and media freedom, said Tuesday he would hold a referendum in October to extend his rule.
EU foreign ministers will discuss possible action against Minsk when they meet in Brussels on Monday, an EU official said.
"We have warned [Lukashenko] on a number of occasions that there could be negative consequences if such a referendum were held. There could be some EU reaction in response," the official said.
The official said EU measures in such cases typically included a visa ban on key officials and a freeze on assets. But no concrete plans have yet been drawn up and ministers are not expected to announce specific measures Monday.
The bloc will stress that Belarus has the right to hold such a referendum, but that it would have to meet international standards for free and fair elections, "and we will express our doubt that this will be the case," the official added.
Belarus is on the ministers` agenda at the request of Latvia, one of 10 mostly ex-communist Central and Eastern European states that joined the bloc on 1-st of May.
|
|
|
|
