Benita Ferrero-Waldner: «People will gather to support the EU»

On the eve of the European March organized by the civil society in support of 12 EU proposals the EU Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy Benita Ferrero-Waldner appealed to Belarusians and noted that the European Union supports their courage and calls on them to use the opportunities offered, which could lead to a better life. The Belarusian people will gather to support the EU idea of having a closer relationship within the ENP framework, Benita Ferrero-Waldner said.

In her interview to the Europea by Satellite (EbS) Benita Ferrero-Waldner presented her view on the prospectives of the relations between the EU and Belarus.

Commissioner stated that the EU hopes Belarus will become a full-fledged democracy and part of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP). There are all possibilities for productive cooperation. The Belarusian leadership know the US recommendations, but in Ferrero-Waldner’s view none of the recommendations was fulfilled: detentions, lack of free media and freedom of assembly in today's Belarus are unacceptable.

Answering the question of prospectives of the relations between the EU and Belarus within the ENP, Benita Ferrero-Waldner referred to the document issued in November 2006 where the offers on improvement of the situation in Belarus were made. Commissioner stressed that the cooperation between Belarus and the EU could be beneficial for both sides. By joining the ENP, the Belarusians could benefit from easier travel regulations, participation in European education programs, and have better economic possibilities, such as export of goods and services. Moreover within the ENP framework the EU is ready to invest fund to defend projects. In turn, our country could provide transit services, work together with the EU on energy and environmental issues.

Benita Ferrero-Waldner pointed out the support of the EU to the democratic development in Belarus: assistance to the free media in Belarus, provide funding for non-governmental groups who work in the direction of democratisation, condemn any human rights violations in the country.

What concerns the prospectives of the relations between the EU and Belarus, Commissioner stressed the EU has offered the ENP participation to Belarus. The EU leadership wants to see Belarusians as partners within the ENP, Commissioner noted. The EU supports the courage of Belarusians and has great solidarity with their opinion.