Federal Foreign Minister Steinmeier on the situation in Belarus

In the light of the ongoing demonstrations in Belarus, Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs Frank-Walter Steinmeier issued the following statement on 23 March between sessions of the European Council in Brussels:

"The Federal Government continues to pay close attention to developments in Belarus. The Belarusian citizens deserve our respect and esteem for persisting with their peaceful protests for democracy and freedom of expression despite the restrictions imposed by security forces. However, reports of a growing number of arrests of demonstrators and members of the opposition fill us with great concern.

I strongly appeal to the Belarusian leaders to allow their citizens to exercise their right to freely express their opinion and to assemble. These are basic rights also guaranteed by the Belarusian constitution. Responsibility for the personal safety of peaceful protesters lies with the Belarusian Government. We will judge the leadership in Minsk on its fulfilment of these obligations."

March 24, 2006

Continued Support for Democratic Opposition in Belarus
(March 20, 2006)

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