Debate: Recommendation to the Council, the Commission and the VPC/HR on relations with Belarus
Date: TUESDAY, 20 OCTOBER 2020
Speaker: Josep Borrell Fontelles
Language: EN

I took note of Parliament’s September resolution on Belarus and your recommendations today are more than welcome as a further substantive contribution to our work. I agree with you; unfortunately, the situation on the ground in Belarus has not improved. There has been and continues to be a brutal crackdown against citizens, journalists, and against members of the Coordination Council itself. The Interior Minister recently authorised the use of lethal force – lethal force! – and the increasing levels of violence against protesters are extremely worrying. They are sending extremely worrying signs, but also signs of the desperation on the side of the authorities, aware as they are of the unwavering commitment of Belarusians to a democratic future for their country. This House knows very well that the European Union has firmly rejected the falsified results of the 9 August presidential elections. We did that at the Foreign Affairs Council. They did that at the European Union Council and the Commission had also joined its voice to this choir. Now we have clearly said that Alexander Lukashenko lacks any democratic legitimacy. We say about him the worst thing that one can say about someone who wants to govern a country: ‘you lack democratic legitimacy for doing so, we don’t recognise you as the legitimate President of Belarus’. I want to stress that and repeat it again, solemnly, at this sitting of European democracy.  We have now adopted sanctions against 40 Belarusian officials responsible for violence, repression and election falsification. We did that a couple of weeks ago, but since the situation in Minsk continues to deteriorate and there seem to be limited prospects for a dialogue – I’m saying ‘limited’ rather than saying ‘not at all’ – the Council gave its political green light to start the preparation of the next sanctions package. At that time, it will include also Alexander Lukashenko himself. The technical work started immediately after the Council and it will be finished soon. No Member State put any kind of obstacle forward to that. The comprehensive Council conclusions we adopted on 12 October 2020 sent a clear message that the conduct of these elections has had an adverse effect on European Union-Belarus relations and we have also stated that ‘business as usual’ is no longer possible. So our relations with Belarus are in the course of being re-examined.  At the same time, and in line with your recommendation, we have reiterated that the European Union stands in solidarity and will step up support to civil society. I also had the opportunity of conveying this message in a phone call I had with the Foreign Affairs Minister of Belarus.  We have also emphasised that the European Union stands ready to support a meaningful democratic transition in Belarus and we are working on a comprehensive economic support package that the European Union institutions would be ready to offer to a new democratic Belarus.  The European Union remains united in its assessment of the situation and the actions that have to be taken, as I made clear once again when I spoke to Foreign Minister Makei on 9 October, 10 days ago.  All Member States continue to call on the Belarusian authorities to end violence and repression, release all detainees and political prisoners, and respect media freedom. The attempts by the Belarusian authorities to target certain EU Member States by asking them to reduce their diplomatic representation in Minsk will not weaken our unity.  I share the views of Members of this House, as clearly expressed in the recommendation, that only an inclusive national dialogue with the broader society, in particular with the Coordination Council, can lead to a peaceful and sustainable solution of the crisis. We continue to support the proposal for an OSCE mission to facilitate this dialogue and we are promoting such an approach with all international actors, but I have to say that, to my regret, the Belarusian authorities have not responded at all. In French you would say  The people’s patience is running out, as we have seen from the call by Ms Tsikhanouskaya for certain actions to be taken by 25 October. We admire the perseverance and the determination of the peaceful demonstrators facing threats, intimidation and violence, and call on them to remain peaceful and not to fall into provocations. I know this would be difficult but I think this is the best thing they can do.  In this difficult period for the Belarusian people we continue our full support for their democratic right to elect their president through new, free and fair elections under OSCE observation. I have to thank all of you again for your detailed recommendation on Belarus. It’s an important contribution and an important support for our work.