Paleckis makes corrections: “Improvement” turned into “difficult situation”

The report on Belarus was again heard in the European Parliament.

The document was prepared by Lithuanian MEP, Special Rapporteur on Belarus Justas Paleckis.

The consideration of a draft report on Belarus took 1.5 hours. Justas Paleckis said to Radio Svaboda after the discussion:

“We had a constructive discussion today. We saw emotions and a hot debate last time, but now all speakers supported the proposals. These were compromise proposals.

My colleagues supported the main idea of the document – the EU should not turn its back on Belarus. Despite all difficulties and a rather poor, to put in mildly, situation of human rights and democracy in Belarus, attention to the country mustn't be lessened. On the contrary, it must be increased. Ahead of the Vilnius Summit in November we have a chance, although a small one, to make a step towards a dialogue with official Minks. But only on the condition that was clearly set in the report – the release and rehabilitation of political prisoners.”

Journalists asked Paleckis how the wording about an “ improvement” in the human rights situation in Belarus in 2012 was changed. The Special Rapporteur answered:

“It was an initial version. I already said that those two and a half pages were just frames. MEPs made 292 amendments. The report has changed beyond recognition. The thesis about the improvement of the human rights situation was fully changed. The report now says about a difficult situation of human rights, but quotes that the number of people arrested on political motives decreased, according to the data from Viasna human rights centre. It is now explained that it is the result of intimidation and repression.”

Photo: DELFI.lt