Belarus to be visited by ombudsmen of 4 EU countries

Human rights ombudsmen from Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands and Finland are to visit Belarus on February 25-27.

Human rights ombudsmen from Germany Guenter Nooke, Alrnold Kristian de Fin Skibsted (Denmark), Arjan Hamburger (the Netherlands) and Kari Kahiluoto (Findland). It had been reported by the BelaPAN with a reference to the Embassy of the German Republic.

The delegation is to arrive today evening. The goal of the visit is “to receive information about development of internal political situation after release of political prisoners and the election in September 2008”, the report of the German mission reads.

Talks of ombudsmen with the first deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of Belarus Anatoly Kulyashou, deputy Justice Minister Alla Bodak and the Foreign Ministry representatives are planned. The delegation is also to meet opposition and civil society representatives.

Before the visit Guenter Nooke welcomed “recent steps (of the Belarusian authoriteis) toward the democratic reforms”. He noted that many other significant steps toward real and sustainable reforms including the dialogue with the opposition and civil society should follow these actions.

The German Embassy has reminded that in March heads of Foreign Ministries of the EU countries are to return to the issue of suspension of visa sanctions against Belarusian officials. The condition fro their full lifting are democratic reforms and respect to human rights in Belarus.

G. Nooke visited Minsk in April 2006 after the presidential elections.

Charter’97 comment: It is strange that the German Embassy in Minsk does not mention that the “parliamentary election” in belarus were recognized by the ODIHR OSCE not free and undemocratic. Moreover, according to the opposition, there are at least 5 political prisoners in Belarus at the moment.

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