Written question asked by Robert Goodwill (Conservative) on Thursday, 18 December 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 13 January 2009. It was answered by Caroline Flint (Labour) on Tuesday, 13 January 2009 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Belarus

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the state of relations between Belarus and the UK; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Following the release of three remaining political prisoners in August 2008, the UK supported the EU decision in October to suspend the visa ban for six months to encourage further reforms.We have seen some small improvements—two opposition newspapers are now on sale in small quantities, and an opposition party has been allowed to register with the authorities. However, we continue to encourage the Belarusian Government to take further progress on human rights.

Secondary information