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Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of
the Republic of Belarus on the conclusions of the Council of the
European Union on Belarus
The conclusions adopted by the Council of the
European Union reveal its intention to impose its will on the
Belarusian authorities and society, even resorting to threats.
Such an approach has neither reasons nor prospects.
Belarus has more than once pointed out, to our
partners in the European Union as well, that the forthcoming
presidential election of 2006 will be held in strict compliance
with the existing election legislation of the Republic of
Belarus and international standards. As for the international
election observation, it was conducted in an unimpeded way in
Belarus, just unlike it was the case in a number of EU Member
States during recent elections.
The EU persistency in financing political
processes on the territory of our State “flexibly” and in
circumvention of the effective Belarusian authorities has
nothing to do with the respect of sovereignty. This sort of
“back door funding” is simply unlawful, not only in Belarus but
in the majority of countries in the world. We reiterate it to
our European partners.
The European Union is fully aware that Belarus
stands ready to engage in a dialogue on an equal footing, in
particular within the framework of the Partnership and
Cooperation Agreement, the European Neighbourhood Policy,
transparent financial instruments. The credibility of such a
dialogue entirely depends on complying with the principles of
international law, first and foremost, the principle of
non-interference in the internal affairs.
Belarus welcomes the EU willingness to engage
with Belarusian officials. It is to be done at an adequate level
and in an adequate way. The policy on limited contacts by no
means meets common interests in the interrelated world.
We reiterate our willingness to gradually
normalize EU-Belarus relations in the spirit of mutual respect
and common responsibly for strengthening peace and stability in
Europe.
Minsk, November 9, 2005
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