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Lithuania's Nauseda, Poland's Duda call on Belarusian govt not to use force

BC, Vilnius, 10.08.2020.Print version
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda and his Polish counterpart Andrzej Duda issued a joint statement on Sunday night, calling on the Belarusian government to adhere to democratic standards, respect human rights and refrain from using force as mass post-election protests engulf the country, informed LETA/BNS.

"As neighbors of Belarus, we call on Belarusian authorities to fully recognize and uphold basic democratic standards. We urge to refrain from violence and call for respect of fundamental freedoms, human and citizen rights including the rights of national minorities and freedom of speech" the two presidents said in their joint statement.


They believe a dialogue is always the best method to advance social development, discuss reforms and policies.


Nauseda and Duda said they hold the sovereignty of Belarus and its independence in utmost respect, but also hope for favorable conditions to engage even more in the partnership with the people and the state of Belarus.


"We are convinced that closer cooperation with the European Union is in the interest of Belarus, we want the doors for this cooperation to remain open and stand ready," the statement reads.


Meanwhile, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Linas Linkevicius tweeted late on Sunday, calling Belarus' actions "inconceivable".


"Repressions against political activists, peaceful protesters and journalists in #Belarus are absolutely inconceivable. This night will show willingness and ability of Government to uphold dialogue," the minister wrote.


Mass protests erupted in Minsk and other cities in Belarus on Sunday after the country's President Alexander Lukashenko secured a sixth presidential term. In Minsk, protesters clashed with special police forces.






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