Continued Support for Democratic Opposition in Belarus

The German Government will await the closing report of the OSCE election observer commission before issuing a final appraisal of the outcome of the election in Belarus, Deputy Government Spokesman Thomas Steg said in Berlin on March 20.

Before the elections, however, there were indications, Steg said, that they were taking place in a peculiar atmosphere with reprisals and harassment of the opposition. The elections, therefore, could not be described as free and fair.

The German Government is now expecting the Belarus government to respect freedom of opinion and assembly, Steg said.

The Belarusian government bears the responsibility for the citizens of Belarus being able to exercise their constitutional rights, he said.

In light of the climate of intimidation during the election, he said, the number of candidates who championed the democratic opposition is worthy of respect and deep regard. It demonstrates the commitment of many citizens in Belarus to democracy and human rights.

The German Government will continue to support the democratic opposition in Belarus, Steg said. Chancellor Angela Merkel had already met with the Belarusian opposition politician Alexander Milinkewitsch for a discussion in Berlin in February.

March 20, 2006

Foreign Minister Steinmeier Condemns Obstruction of Opposition in Belarus Presidential Campaign
(March 16, 2006)

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