Latvian MFA insisted on the release of political prisoners

Latvia has condemned Belarusian ''elections'' and demanded the release of political prisoners.

The Foreign Ministry states that despite slight improvements in the election process, Belarus still fails to meet a number of international commitments and fundamental principles of democratic elections. The lack of competition, neutrality and impartiality prevents from calling these elections free, fair and democratic, informs LETA.

''Although several political powers took part in these elections, regrettably, for various reasons, a number of well-known politicians were denied a possibility of participating and expressing their opinion on the developments in the country. Regrettably, international observers from several countries were also denied entry to Belarus,'' the Foreign Ministry points out.

The Latvian Foreign Ministry urges Belarus to take decisive steps in order to carry out reforms that would enable holding internationally recognized and democratic elections, as well as ensure respect for human rights in the country. The release of all political prisoners in Belarus would be the first positive step in that direction.

''Latvia is interested in good neighborly relations with Belarus, and it is important for us that Belarus would develop as a democratic and economically advanced county where human rights and the rule of law are respected,'' the Foreign Ministry says.