BG

PRIME MINISTER BORISSOV ATTENDS EU EMERGENCY SUMMIT ON SITUATION IN BELARUS

19.08.2020

“We continue to observe with concern the situation in Belarus after the presidential elections that were held on 9 August,” said Prime Minister Boyko Borissov during the European Council emergency teleconference. The EU Heads of State and Government discussed developments in Belarus in the wake of the presidential elections that, in their view, had not been held in a free and fair manner.

 

Prime Minister Borissov stressed that the target of the imposition of sanctions should be the individuals who are to be held responsible for the undemocratic approaches in Belarus and not the citizens who experience many difficulties in this crisis period. The specific dimensions of the sanctions are to be discussed by the EU Foreign Ministers.

 

Borissov stated firmly that Bulgaria supports an overall review of the European Union’s relations with Belarus, however, the change in the country should be brought about by its citizens and not from outside. He recalled that the EU’s support to Belarus throughout the years has been help to civil society and promotion of democratic institutions.

 

Bulgaria’s Prime Minister emphasized to his colleagues that the use of violence against peaceful protesters is unacceptable and should not be allowed. Prime Minister Borissov also underlined the importance of political dialog with the Government and with the opposition in order to avoid further escalation of tensions. All avenues of dialog must remain open, Boyko Borissov stressed.

 

The Prime Minister noted the major role of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe in the settlement of the crisis in Belarus. As he said, all European Neighborhood Policy levers that would enable the de-escalation of the crisis should be resorted to. Prime Minister Borissov expressed support for the proposal to send an EU fact-finding mission to Belarus.