Joint Declaration on the events in Belarus

Joint Declaration on the events in Belarus by the Chairmen of the Foreign Affairs Committees of the German Bundestag, Ruprecht Polenz MP, and the Sejm of the Republic of Poland, Andrzej Halicki MP

We observe with concern unprecedented tightening of policy of repression against the democratic opposition in Belarus. We condemn provocative sentences, inter alia, passed on the former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrej Sannikau and the opposition candidate for the President of Belarus Uladzimir Nieklajeu.

There is an increased self-isolation of the regime, which places itself outside the European Community and therefore condemns the Belarusian society to non-participation in achievements of democratic world.

We stress the need to support democratic aspirations of civil society in Belarus. The European Union should support actions and initiatives of civil organizations and opposition parties in Belarus. This mainly applies to free media.

We believe that the European Union should devote particular attention to the policy of youth scholarship programs, which may be important factor in democratization of the society of Belarus.