The situation which has developed in Belarus following the elections is worrying. We condemn all political repressions and violence against the Belarusian opposition.
The peaceful protests organised by the opposition were violently suppressed. According to independent sources, one person has died and dozens have been injured as a result of these clashes. Estonia calls upon the Belarusian authorities to halt all use of force and repressions against protesters. Instead of violence, the Belarusian authorities must enter into peaceful discussions with the citizens and restore their trust.
Preserving freedom of expression and assembly in Belarus is of the utmost importance.
It is regrettable that observers from the OSCE ODIHR, the Parliamentary Assembly of the OSCE and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe were not able to observe the Belarusian presidential elections. Based on the assessment of independent sources, the elections cannot be considered free, honest and democratic.
Estonia supports Poland’s call to convene an extraordinary session of the European Council in order to discuss the Belarusian elections.
Further information:
Public Relations Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
press@mfa.ee
