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The European Parliament demands continued support for the Belarusian opposition.
The European Parliament has issued a strong call for the European Union to provide sustained support to the Belarusian opposition, a movement seeking to challenge the authoritarian regime of Aleksander Lukashenko. This call comes within the framework of a resolution recently adopted in Brussels, which reflects growing concern over the human rights situation in Belarus and the need to release unjustly imprisoned political prisoners. MEPs have expressed their support for the Belarusian opposition, denouncing the systematic rights violations occurring under the umbrella of the current government.
The European Parliament demands concrete actions, including the holding of free and fair elections. According to MEPs, the conditions under which the upcoming elections would be held cannot be considered democratic due to the repression and strict control exercised by the Kremlin over civil society and the opposition. Furthermore, they warn of the risk of political prisoners being used as bargaining chips in negotiations with Western nations, which requires a firm response from the international community.
Amid rising political tensions in Belarus, the European Parliament has urged the European Union (EU) to extend unwavering support to the Belarusian opposition. During a session on Wednesday, MEPs approved a resolution highlighting the urgent need to release political prisoners jailed under the authoritarian regime of Aleksander Lukashenko. This measure comes amid calls for free and fair elections, which must be internationally supervised to ensure their transparency and legitimacy.
The European Parliament's resolution makes clear that the Lukashenko regime has been singled out for its abusive use of judicial and security institutions to repress the opposition. This context of systematic human rights violations has led the European Parliament to express strong solidarity with the Belarusian opposition and demand their immediate release. MEPs underscore the importance of restoring the rights of those who have been silenced by the regime.
The approved text also categorically rejects any electoral process taking place in the current context of repression. The members of Parliament maintain that such elections "cannot meet democratic standards." In this regard, they have called for new, free and fair elections to be held under the supervision of international organizations. They have also warned of the danger of the regime using political prisoners as bargaining chips with Western countries, a development that could undermine the principles of justice and equity.
The European Parliament has reiterated its position on the illegitimacy of Lukashenko's rule, expanding its call for the EU to maintain and strengthen its political, financial, and security support for the Belarusian democratic opposition. This statement aims to join forces with other countries in adopting policies of non-recognition of the Lukashenko regime, which could impact the international stance on the situation in Belarus.
In a significant step toward recognizing the Belarusian opposition, the EU and international organizations have been urged to formalize the representation of Belarus's democratic forces in international forums, such as the parliamentary assemblies of the Council of Europe, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), and NATO. This is indicative of the European Parliament's desire to integrate opposition representatives into international dialogues on the political and social situation in their country.
In addition to promoting political representation, the resolution also underscores the need to provide support to civil society in Belarus. This includes support for independent media outlets, students, and professionals currently in exile. MEPs have proposed implementing measures such as visas, scholarships, financial aid, and other forms of protection for those subject to persecution by the Lukashenko regime.
European Parliament 's call underscores the urgency of acting in defense of human rights and democracy in Belarus. With a clear focus on international collaboration, MEPs call on the EU not only to maintain, but to intensify, its engagement with the Belarusian opposition. The implications of this resolution are significant, as they reinforce a unified message of support for the struggle for democracy in a country that has been plagued by authoritarianism and repression for years.
The resolution issued by the European Parliament is a beacon of hope for those fighting for freedom and justice in Belarus. As the international community pays attention to their struggles, pressure on the Lukashenko regime could grow, potentially leading to positive changes in the country. By providing a structured framework of support, the European Parliament stands firmly on the side of democracy and the rule of law, fundamental principles that every country must uphold to ensure a prosperous and peaceful future.
