12.07.2012
Belarus’ MPs: EP resolution on Belarus misinforms international community
MINSK, 12 July (BelTA) – The recent resolution of the European Parliament on Belarus misinforms the European and international community. This statement was made by members of the Permanent Commission for Human Rights, National Relations and Mass Media of the House of Representatives of Belarus, BelTA has learnt.
“It is a shame that the text of the resolution misinforms the European and international community and presents Belarus as an undemocratic state,” the statement reads. The MPs underlined that Belarus positions itself as a sustainably developing, democratic, law-based and socially-oriented state that offers great opportunities for civil society development and guarantees the freedom to establish public associations and political parties.
“We would like to note that the Law of the Republic of Belarus “On Mass Media” guarantees the freedom of opinion, beliefs and their free expression, and articulates the underlying principles of mass media operation in Belarus: respect for human rights and freedoms, diversity of opinions, promotion of the national culture and moral values, provision of correct and lawful information, observation of professional ethics and commonly-recognized moral values,” the MPs said.
They emphasized that the Belarusian legislation guarantees the freedom of assembly. “This right is not to be restricted, except in cases stipulated by the laws of a democratic society in the interests of the national security, public order and rights of other citizens, which does not contradict international rules,” they said.
Speaking about interethnic relations, the MPs noted that the legislation provides for equal opportunities for all people regardless of their ethnicity and guarantees respect and protection of rights and legal interests of national minorities.
The commission underlined that Belarusian MPs are ready for a constructive, equal and mutually respectful dialogue with their European counterparts across a variety of issues.
The Permanent Commission for International Affairs and National Security of the Council of the Republic and the Permanent Commission for International Affairs and Links with the CIS of the House of Representatives also made a joint statement. They pointed that the European Parliament still seeks to push its agenda across issues that are the domestic affairs of Belarus, “they threaten Belarusian citizens to expand visa and other restrictions”. “We are convinced that such actions of the European Parliament are counterproductive and prevent a rapprochement between Belarus and the EU,” the statement reads.
The MPs of the both commissions added that the OSCE/ODIHR recommendations related to reformation of the electoral law were closely studied by Belarus. “Amendments were introduced to the national legislation in 2010. The OSCE/ODIHR recommendations were also taken into consideration. We believe that introducing new amendments to the electoral law during the parliamentary election campaign does not make sense and runs contrary to recommendations of international agencies,” the statement reads.
“It is a shame that the text of the resolution misinforms the European and international community and presents Belarus as an undemocratic state,” the statement reads. The MPs underlined that Belarus positions itself as a sustainably developing, democratic, law-based and socially-oriented state that offers great opportunities for civil society development and guarantees the freedom to establish public associations and political parties.
“We would like to note that the Law of the Republic of Belarus “On Mass Media” guarantees the freedom of opinion, beliefs and their free expression, and articulates the underlying principles of mass media operation in Belarus: respect for human rights and freedoms, diversity of opinions, promotion of the national culture and moral values, provision of correct and lawful information, observation of professional ethics and commonly-recognized moral values,” the MPs said.
They emphasized that the Belarusian legislation guarantees the freedom of assembly. “This right is not to be restricted, except in cases stipulated by the laws of a democratic society in the interests of the national security, public order and rights of other citizens, which does not contradict international rules,” they said.
Speaking about interethnic relations, the MPs noted that the legislation provides for equal opportunities for all people regardless of their ethnicity and guarantees respect and protection of rights and legal interests of national minorities.
The commission underlined that Belarusian MPs are ready for a constructive, equal and mutually respectful dialogue with their European counterparts across a variety of issues.
The Permanent Commission for International Affairs and National Security of the Council of the Republic and the Permanent Commission for International Affairs and Links with the CIS of the House of Representatives also made a joint statement. They pointed that the European Parliament still seeks to push its agenda across issues that are the domestic affairs of Belarus, “they threaten Belarusian citizens to expand visa and other restrictions”. “We are convinced that such actions of the European Parliament are counterproductive and prevent a rapprochement between Belarus and the EU,” the statement reads.
The MPs of the both commissions added that the OSCE/ODIHR recommendations related to reformation of the electoral law were closely studied by Belarus. “Amendments were introduced to the national legislation in 2010. The OSCE/ODIHR recommendations were also taken into consideration. We believe that introducing new amendments to the electoral law during the parliamentary election campaign does not make sense and runs contrary to recommendations of international agencies,” the statement reads.