European Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy, Štefan Füle, in Polish Sopot on May 24 stated that the simplification of visa regime with Belarus is a political issue. Furthermore, speaking about the situation with democracy and human rights in Belarus, Štefan Füle noted that over the past six months the situation has deteriorated.
«One of my first conversations with Foreign Minister of Belarus was a conversation about the human rights situation in the country. We strive to make it clear to Belarusian authorities that it is unacceptable for us», the commissioner said, adding that in Europe they «are deeply concerned about the deterioration of a situation in the country».
According to Štefan Füle, the local council elections were held without taking in consideration the OSCE recommendations to Belarusian authorities. «Now we insist on that the upcoming presidential elections to be held according to democratic standards», the European Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy stressed, Charter 97 press center informs.
The commissioner also noted that the worsening of human rights situation in Belarus was one of the reasons why Belarus is «lagging behind» in the Eastern Partnership today.
«Belarus is lagging behind much in the Eastern Partnership. By all counts. If we look at the Belarus’ place in the program, it becomes evident that we discuss almost nothing with the country’s authorities. No contract on associated membership, no creation of free trade zone, no simplification of visa regime. Simplification of the EU visa regime is currently being discussed with Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan. That is, with all countries of the Eastern Partnership, except Belarus», Štefan Füle said.
With such a bad situation in Belarus you should not expect much enthusiasm from the EU, Füle
According to European Commissioner, European Commission is working on documents, which would state on what terms it’s possible to simplify the visa regime with Belarus. «With such a bad situation in Belarus, do not expect much enthusiasm from us. There is a very solid basis for cooperation, these are democracy, human rights and the rule of law. If someone from our partners do not have these three elements, the possibility of cooperation reduces greatly», Štefan Füle said.
In his turn, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Spain, which currently presides the European Union, Miguel Angel Moratinos, also underlined that Europe now is «concerned» about situation in Belarus. «Democracy and human tights are the fundamental conditions of European identity and European neighbourhood policy. During the founding summit of the Eastern Partnership in Prague, we clearly defined this», Spanish Foreign Minister said.
«We have claimed and continue to claim Belarusian authorities on the need to respect human rights. Because we are concerned about it. The demand to respect human rights extends to everybody, because it is an essential thing. We demand the implementation of agreements and progress in the situation of human rights», Miguel Angel Moratinos said.
