Written question asked by Daniel Kawczynski (Conservative) on Wednesday, 1 February 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 6 February 2006. It was answered by Douglas Alexander (Labour) on Thursday, 9 February 2006 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Belarus

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with the British ambassador in Minsk about UK relations with Belarus.

Answer: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and the British ambassador in Minsk have not had a recent discussion. However, our ambassador keeps the Department up-to-date with developments, is in constant touch with our embassies in neighbouring countries and our missions to the EU, OSCE and Council of Europe. He liaises closely with other EU missions in Minsk and meets regularly with officials in the Belarusian Government, outlining our disappointment at the deteriorating situation in Belarus at every opportunity. In line with our policy of supporting the democratic process and engaging with civil society we maintain good contacts with the opposition and I had a worthwhile bilateral discussion with Mr. Milinkevich, leader of the official opposition, at the last General Affairs and External Relations Council in Brussels.

Secondary information