Permanent Delegation of Norway to the OSCE: Statement on Belarus

PC.DEL/144/12 
1 March 2012 
   
ENGLISH only

Permanent Delegation of Norway to the OSCE
STATEMENT ON BELARUS
As delivered by Ambassador Robert Kvile 
to the Permanent Council, Vienna
1 March, 2012

Mr. Chairman,

We share the concerns expressed by the US delegation about violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms and rule of law in Belarus. In this regard, Mr. Chairman, I would like to draw your attention to a statement issued yesterday by the Foreign Minister of Norway, Mr. Jonas Gahr Støre, in which he says, and I quote:

“Norway deeply deplores the latest developments in Belarus in which the EU and Polish ambassadors have been asked to leave the country. It is difficult to see how this will benefit the country.

Belarus is isolating itself from Europe and the rest of the world and this can only damage its own political and economic development. Belarus can only achieve economic development that benefits its population if the authorities ensure full respect for human rights. The authorities must also make sure that the parliamentary elections to be held in autumn 2012 are conducted in accordance with democratic principles.”

Norway will maintain its commitment to the development of democracy in Belarus as well as its increased support for human rights efforts in the country.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

http://www.osce.org/pc/88753