EU urges Minsk to release political prisoners

The European Union has urged the government in Belarus to release immediately one of the leaders of Malady Front, Zmicier Dashkevich and other political prisoners.  Germany which currently holds the presidency of the EU has again proposed Belarus @to commend a full-fleged dialogue in the framework of the EU Neighborhood Policy". The statement stressed that the possibility for commencing cooperation depends on the Belarusian authorities that have to respect democratic values and human rights.

In the view of the European Union, dialogue could only be possible after Belarus begins with democratic reforms, according to the Belapan news agency.

БелаПАН