Merkel reminds about conditions for deeper Belarus-EU cooperation
EU can boost ties with Belarus only after the release and rehabilitation of political prisoners, says Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel.
The German Chancellor said this during today's speech in the Bundestag about the Eastern Partnership summit , which will take place in Vilnius.
"Belarus has been the most difficult issue in the Eastern Partnership,” BelaPAN quotes Merkel, “After the new repression that took place after the presidential elections in December 2010 , political prisoners are still in prison. Citizens who sought to pluralism in this society have been thrown in jail. "
The German Chancellor expressed her gratitude to the imprisoned laureate of the Council of Europe human rights award Ales Byalyatski . "We all have a responsibility so that these people were free to speak and act again," - said Merkel.
She recalled that the European Union wants to deepen cooperation with Belarus , but "it is only possible after the release and rehabilitation of political prisoners ." Angela Merkel stressed : "If the summit in Vilnius gave a sign of hope, it would be very important."
Photo - AFP
