Opinions & Interviews

Belarus ready for cooperation with foreign partners on basis of non-interference

Natalya Kochanova. An archive photo

MINSK, 22 October (BelTA) – Chairperson of the Council of the Republic Natalya Kochanova has issued a statement following a joint statement of the Council of Europe leaders on Belarus of 13 October 2020, BelTA learned from the press service of the upper house of the Belarusian Parliament.

“In their statement the Council of Europe leaders express their concern about the developments in Belarus, about which they receive one-sided information. We have repeatedly addressed the European community, including the heads of parliaments of the EU countries, with a proposal to take an objective look at what is happening in Belarus, and to engage in a constructive dialogue. We are ready to provide irrefutable facts revealing the causes of the current events, including interference from abroad. We were not heard despite the fact that the leaders of the Council of Europe call in their statement to respect freedom of expression as one of the fundamental European values,” said Natalya Kochanova.

The statement stressed that representatives of the Euro-Atlantic countries continue to use the information coming exclusively from people who are not in Belarus and do not represent the majority of citizens who supported the country’s development course in the recent presidential election. “The Council of Europe leaders should be aware that ‘peaceful’ actions are taking place outside the legal framework and cause discontent among many citizens of Belarus who ask the Belarusian authorities to protect them from the aggressive minority and restore a calm, safe life in our country. We are ready to interact with foreign partners, to discuss comprehensive cooperation, and exchange views on the situation in Belarus, on the basis of mutual respect, objectivity, consideration of the parties' interests and non-interference with internal affairs,” Natalya Kochanova added.

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