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07.12.2012

Belarus calls on OSCE to abolish policy of sanctions

MINSK, 7 December (BelTA) - First Deputy Foreign Minister of Belarus Alexander Mikhnevich, the head of the Belarusian delegation at the OSCE Ministerial Council meeting, addressed the plenary session of the OSCE Ministerial Council. During the speech he stressed the need for the unconditional renunciation of the policy of sanctions, economic and political pressure in the relations between OSCE participating states, BelTA learnt from the Foreign Ministry of Belarus.

In his speech Alexander Mikhnevich spoke about Belarus’ vision of the OSCE activities, outlined the major problems that require attention and collective decisions of the participating states.

In particular, Alexander Mikhnevich noted that to overcome the crisis of confidence and inertia of confrontation the OSCE must return to its original mission - to build a true community of security and cooperation. In this regard, he stressed the urgent need for unconditional renunciation of the policy of sanctions, economic and political pressure in relations between the participating states, the Foreign Ministry said.

The head of the Belarusian delegation spoke in favor of the continuation of the reform process at the OSCE, and also drew attention to the fact that double standards still exist in the OSCE election observation activities.

Dublin, Ireland, is playing host to the OSCE Ministerial Council meeting on 6-7 December. Alexander Mikhnevich took part in the working meeting of the heads of delegations of the CSTO member states, which resulted in a joint statement, and held bilateral meetings with the heads of other delegations and senior officials of OSCE institutions.