German Social Democrats: Violence is not language of partnership

The Social Democratic Party of Germany has addressed Alyaksandr Lukashenka in connection with the events that took place in Minsk on December 19. The representatives of the party are indignant at the violence and arrest of hundreds of demonstrators. The party leader Sigmar Gabriel notes that he was worried to find out that Mikalai Statkevich, the leader of the Social Democratic Party of Belarus had been arrested. The German politician is urging Lukashenka to recall sentences and release the detained. “A critical dialogue between partners is crucial for rapprochement with the European neighbours. Violence is not the language of partnership”, - is said in the statement.