Van Rompuy over vergadering Wit-Rusland (en)

Remarks by President Van Rompuy following the meeting with Belarus opposition

Let me first thank Prime Minister Tusk for arranging this meeting with the Belarus opposition on the eve of the Eastern partnership summit.

The EU is, at its heart, a community of values. Ultimately, these values guide our policies, and these values are reflected in our approach tailored to individual circumstances.

The EU remains attached to the vision of democratic Belarus with its proper place in European cooperation. At our meeting today I commended the representatives of the Belarusian political opposition for their courageous work to provide a democratic and pluralistic alternative by legitimate means.

In the case of Belarus, the EU's policy is clear. We can not re-engage fully without clear progress towards democratisation and respect for human rights. This means, not least, the immediate release and rehabilitation of all political prisoners and the engagement in a genuine political dialogue with the opposition. We are concerned about recent reports regarding the health conditions of those still in jail and of pressure being exercised on them.

I will urge the Belarus Ambassador tomorrow to take this message back to Minsk.

We encourage the Belarus authorities to address the situation in the country in line with the EU's established position. We continue to monitor the situation and stand ready to react as appropriate.