EU, US, UK and Canada Joint Declaration on Belarus and Lukashenko

“We are united in our deep concern about the regime’s ongoing attacks Lukashenko human rights, fundamental freedoms and international law, “the EU, the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada said in a joint statement.

“Today, we have taken concerted sanctions in response to the forced landing on May 23 of a Ryanair flight between two EU Member States and the politically motivated arrest of journalist Roman Protasevic and his comrade Sofia Sapega, as well as the ongoing attacks on human rights activists. and fundamental freedoms, “the statement said.

“We are committed to supporting the long-term democratic aspirations of its people. Belarus “And we are together to impose costs on the regime for the blatant violation of international commitments.”

“We are united in calling on the regime to end its repressive practices against its people. We are disappointed that the regime has chosen to move away from its human rights obligations, adherence to democratic principles and commitment to the international community. “We are further united in our call for the Lukashenko regime to cooperate fully with international investigations into the events of May 23,” the joint statement said.

The EU, the US, the United Kingdom and Canada demand the immediate release of all political prisoners, the implementation of the recommendations of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) independent mission under the Moscow Mechanism and the principle of a comprehensive and genuine political dialogue between the authorities and representatives of the democratic opposition and civil society, facilitated by the OSCE.