Poland has emerged as one of Lukashenko’s top foes. Many Belarusians have fled
there in recent years, some lobbying Warsaw over conditions back home.
Even before Ashton announced all ambassadors for EU member states were being
recalled, Germany and France both ordered their Belarus envoys home for
consultations.
German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle had said other EU nations would
likely recall their ambassadors too.
“It’s a question of European solidarity,” he said in a statement.
“It’s a hostile step toward the entire European Union,” Poland’s
foreign ministry spokesman Marcin Bosacki said of Minsk’s latest diplomatic
moves.
Ashton said Belarus’ ambassadors would be summoned over the incident.
“All EU member states will also summon Belarusian ambassadors to their
foreign ministries,” her statement said.
“At the same time I have called a meeting of Member States Ambassadors
(PSC) in Brussels today to coordinate our response.”
European affairs ministers on Monday agreed an assets freeze and visa ban
against 21 senior officials – 19 magistrates and two highly placed police
officers – who were deemed involved in moves to stifle the opposition.
The 19 will be added to 210 people already blacklisted over the continuing
repression of civil society by Lukashenko’s regime.
European parliament president Schulz said that “instead of choosing
increasing self-isolation, Minsk should make the right choice for its people
and open itself towards democracy.
“As the first step, Belarus should release unconditionally and
rehabilitate all political prisoners.
“This would help in a review of the EU’s restrictive measures and allow
Belarus and the EU to embark on the path of gradual re-engagement.”
Related posts:
Views: 0