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EU, USA reiterate call for release of all those arrested over post-election protest

The European Union and the United States have reiterated their call for the immediate release of former presidential candidates and hundreds of other people arrested over Sunday's post-election demonstration in downtown Minsk.

In a joint statement released on Thursday, EU High Representative Catherine Ashton and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton strongly condemn the violence and disproportionate use of force against presidential candidates, political activists, representatives of civil society and journalists.

“The elections and their aftermath represent an unfortunate step backwards in the development of democratic governance and respect for human rights in Belarus,” the joint statement says. “The European Union and the United States recognize the serious problems with the electoral process and the vote count as reported by the OSCE (Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights) election observation mission and urge the Government of Belarus to meet its commitments to the OSCE to substantially reform the electoral process.”

The joint statement says that respect for democracy and human rights remain central to improving Belarus’ relations with the United States and the European Union. “Without substantial progress in these areas, relations will not improve. The European Union and the United States intend to continue their support for and engagement with the people of Belarus and civil society representatives," the statement says. //BelaPAN