Written question asked by Lord Mann (Labour) on Friday, 7 January 2011, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 12 January 2011. It was answered by David Lidington (Conservative) on Wednesday, 12 January 2011 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Belarus: Elections

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Government of Belarus on the arrest and detention of candidates in the presidential election in that country.

Answer: I am deeply concerned about the situation in Belarus. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and I issued statements on 20, 22 and 31 December 2010, strongly condemning the violence surrounding the presidential election, urging the Belarusian authorities to release those detained for politically motivated reasons and to ensure that all detainees are given access to proper medical care and legal representation. I called in the Belarusian ambassador on 22 December 2010 to voice my grave concerns in person. We will continue to follow events closely. We are also working closely with other EU member states to urge a tough EU response, including looking at re-imposing targeted sanctions.

Secondary information