Terri Davis: “Russia cannot defend Belarus from criticism of Council of Europe” :: Charter'97 :: News

“Certainly, the Speaker of the State Duma of the Russian Federation has the right to his own point of view. But I doubt that Russia can defend Belarus from the criticism of the Council of Europe. This is impossible. The decision of you Duma will not stop me, even in case the Speaker will be looking forward to it,” - Secretary general of the Council of Europe Terri Davis told the radio station “Moscow Echo”, commenting on the statement made yesterday by Speaker of the State Duma Boris Gryzlov that Russia would defend Belarus from the attacks of the PACE and the Council of Europe.

“We would like Belarus to become a more democratic country. I have been to Belarus several times, recommended the Belarusian leaders what to do in order to meet the European standards and democratic criteria. It would be essential for them to follow those recommendations and become a full-right member of the Council of Europe, but here we see no progress yet. Our European press reaches its readers here with great difficulties. And I would like the Belarusian people to fight for their rights for the freedom of speech,” - the Secretary general of the Council of Europe also said in his interview to the “Moscow Echo”.