Czech Republic to continue supporting Belarus' opposition, diplomat says

The Czech Republic will continue providing "political, moral and civil support" to Belarus' pro-democratic forces using bilateral contacts and the exchange of opinions, Vladimir Ruml, the Czech Republic’s charge d’affaires to Belarus, said in an interview with BelaPAN.

"A priority of Czech foreign policy is naturally to support pro-democratic forces across the world, while we have closer ties with Belarus from the historical and cultural points of view," he said.

Mr. Ruml noted that his country was to take over the European Union's rotating presidency in January 2009, with the major motto of its presidency to be "Europe without Barriers." "We will focus on civil and economic freedoms that lead to prosperity, which is logical," he said. "Eastern Europe will be our priority too. We will continue striving for good neighborly relations based on partnership and respect for democratic values."

He said that Prague also would push for a cut in Schengen visa fees for Belarusian nationals. "We would be glad if more Belarusians visit the Czech Republic; that is why we are seeking to remove all barriers."