B4-0239/98

Resolution on arbitrary arrests in Belarus

19-02-1998

The European Parliament,

- having regard to its previous resolutions on the situation in Belarus,

- having regard to the Council declaration of 15 September 1997,

- having regard to the working document drawn up by its Committee on Foreign Affairs on the status of relations between the EU and the Republic of Belarus dated 14 October 1997 (Doc_ENDT335335512),

A. concerned at frequent reports of human rights violations, the criminalization of non-governmental organizations and intimidation against journalists, actors in civil society and political opponents which demonstrate that President Lukashenka is unwilling to restore democratic standards, thus widening the gap between Belarus and the democratic world,

B. concerned at the fate of a schoolboy and two students, arrested in August and October 1997 for writing anti-presidential slogans and displaying the officially banned national flag, who are still being held in pre-trial custody in breach of all international legal standards, and thus prevented from continuing their studies,

C. concerned at the severe beating of Yuri Khashchevatsky, an internationally renowned film director, member of the Belarus Helsinki Committee and of the 'Charter 97' Movement, which occurred the night after the broadcasting by a German TV station of the documentary film 'An Ordinary President', which criticized President Lukashenka's style of government,

D. noting the frequent reports about increasing intimidatory measures taken by the Belarus authorities against journalists, such as threats of physical violence, and expulsions from workplaces and universities,

E. whereas thousands of young and well-educated people are fleeing the country because of the lack of prospects, while other sectors of the democratic opposition in Belarus have launched the 'Charter 97' Movement in order to find a peaceful way back to democracy,

1. Calls on the Belarus authorities to restore international standards in the fields of human rights, freedom of the press and of speech, as provided by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights as well as the Paris Charter for a new Europe, to which Belarus is signatory, and which is also the basis for the PCA between Belarus and the EU;

2. Calls on the Belarus authorities to release the arrested schoolboy and students who have been detained for a period approaching six months in pre- trial custody;

3. Calls on President Lukashenka to order an immediate end to all measures of intimidation against journalists, members of the opposition and other actors in civil society;

4. Calls on President Lukashenka to order an inquiry into the attack on Yuri Khashchevatsky;

5. Stresses again that no further cooperation between the European Union and Belarus may be undertaken until clear steps towards respect for human rights and democratic and legal reforms are taken by the Belarus Government;

6. Reiterates its support for the Council declaration of 15 September 1997;

7. Emphasizes the need to continue financial support for further assistance programmes for the enhancement of civil society in Belarus and to assess the possibilities for training opportunities for Belarus students abroad, in order to acquaint them with democratic values;

8. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Commission, the Council, the President and Government of Belarus and the democratically elected Parliament of Belarus.