§ Mr. SpringTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of developments in the human rights situation in Belarus since September last year; and if he will make a statement. [63323]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienSince the flawed Presidential elections in September last year, we have registered no improvement in the human rights situation in Belarus. Despite the release from prison of one prominent figure in March, political opponents of the regime, the independent media and human rights NGOs continue to suffer harassment. With our EU partners and others, the Government will continue to convey our concerns about these abuses to the Belarusian authorities.
§ Mr. SpringTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on relations with Belarus. [63322]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienOur relations with Belarus remain constrained by our concerns over human rights violations and lack of reform. We restrict senior-level contacts and confine our assistance to projects aimed at developing civil society and the NGO sector, as well as humanitarian aid for Chernobyl victims.