Belarus, Ireland to sign respite travel deal soon

Belarus and Ireland plan to sign "as soon as possible" an agreement on the travel of Belarusian children to Ireland on a health break under Chernobyl and other charity programs, BelaPAN reported with reference to the press office of the Irish foreign ministry.
"Both sides agree that it should be signed as soon as possible and in any event before the first group of children due to travel to Ireland for Christmas depart Belarus," Irish Minister Micheal Martin said on December 8. "The Agreement will allow for the unrestricted continuation of visits by all children under 18, and will in the short term allow Christmas visits to proceed," he added.