Written question asked by Lord Dykes (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Triesman (Labour) on Thursday, 4 May 2006.

Belarus: Visa Ban on Officials

Question: Whether, following the imposition of the European Union Council common position on the visa ban on Belarus officials imposed from 19 March, they have received representations from the Belarus Government suggesting actions which could lead to an early review of the ban.

Answer: The Government have received no representations from the Belarus Government suggesting actions which could lead to an early review of the ban. Indeed, some of those who are on the list have threatened to sue EU Ministers who agreed the ban and have claimed that the bans are counterproductive and undemocratic. The Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that the decision to implement the bans demonstrated the EU’s failure,"““to treat with respect the clearly expressed will of an independent nation””," and has threatened reciprocal measures. The UK and the EU have consistently made it clear to the Belarusian authorities that we remain willing to discuss lifting the restrictive measures if there were sufficient improvements in the democratic and human rights situation as set out in the EU’s benchmarks. The Council common position imposing the travel ban sets out clearly the actions that the Belarusian Government need to take in order for the ban to be reviewed.

Secondary information