Paleckis: Belarus report discussion was emotional and fiery

He expected an emotional discussion and it was fiery, the author of the report, European Parliament’s rapporteur on Belarus Justas Paleckis, told BelaPAN.

The report was based on Justas Paleckis’ March visit to Minsk and aroused a mixed response in Belarus.  The MEP admitted that the statement ‘improvement of the human rights situation in Belarus’ was rather lame and would be revised.

The most important thing about the today’s discussion in the European Parliament is the fact that they did not simply discuss bad news from Belarus, they discussed ways of solving the problem, Paleckis said.

Paleckis drew attention to the fact that his report did not urge to lift sanctions from Belarusian officials. He suggested lifting visa sanctions from a few officials which could help organize a dialogue between Belarus and the European Union.

The report may be amended within a week. Paleckis has already received Alena Tankachova’s suggestions (head of the Belarusian Legal information Centre) and will take them into account, he said.

Photo: Delfi