16:09 Belarus, Italy to begin talks on children rehabilitation

Belarus and Italy are expected to sign a bilateral inter-governmental agreement before the summer of 2007 to set out conditions for Belarus's children rehabilitation in Italy, Belarus Ambassador to Italy Aliaksej Skrypko said in a statement. On January 26 a draft agreement was submitted to the Italian side for familiarization, he said.

Italy is expected to send their comments on the draft. Afterward, Belarus will start preparations to receive an Italian delegation which will arrive for talks.

According to the Belarusian envoy, the agreement is designed to enhance guarantees for the protection of the interests of the Belarusian children. The health rehabilitation programs for Belarus's children in Italy were suspended by the government in Minsk last September, following an incident with Vika Maroz.