The Minister of the Federal Chancellor of Germany, Federal Minister for Special Assignments Ronald Pofalla believes the main obstacle to rapprochement between Belarus and the European Union is the death penalty in the Belarusian legislation. This was stated by the German minister at a press conference in Minsk on November 4.
«Belarus should do a lot in regard of the rule of law, free and fair elections. But the main obstacle is the death penalty. The death penalty is totally unacceptable to us. This is one of the principles of the Council of Europe,» Ronald Pofalla said.
According to the German minister, a legal state is the main value for Europe, and the absence of the death penalty is a part of it, Telegraf reports.
«The death penalty in Belarus is not just included in the Penal Code, but it’s also to be executed. This is unacceptable,» Ronald Pofalla said.
At the same time, the abolition of capital punishment, as the minister said, is a prerequisite for partnership with Europe and a necessary step for Belarus, claiming its place in the Council of Europe.
