Uta Zapf calls upon dialogue between political forces in Belarus

• 11.01.2011, 13:50

The Chair of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Ad Hoc Working Group on Belarus, Uta Zapf, calls for dialogue among political forces in Belarus.

In the statement published on January 11, Uta Zapf regretted the repressive measures taken in the wake of last month's presidential election, resulting in a high numbers of political prisoners, and called for their immediate release, the BelaPAN informs.

“Many of the long-time, key interlocutors of our Working Group are currently detained on criminal charges related to post-election events. The OSCE has repeatedly commented on the need to reform laws on freedom of assembly, media and association in Belarus, and to bring them in line with OSCE standards,” noted Ms. Zapf. “I am sorry to see that not only are these laws still in place, but they are being applied against opposition and civil society in such a manner.”

Ms. Zapf also expressed regret over the decision of the Belarusian authorities to not extend the mandate of the OSCE Office in Minsk.