Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2008-10-08-Speech-3-113"

Predicate	Value (sorted: default)
rdf:type	lpv_eu:Speech2
dcterms:Date	"2008-10-08"^^xsd:date2
dcterms:Is Part Of	lp_eu:Situation in Belarus (debate)2
dcterms:Language	"nl"^^xsd:language2
lpv:document identification number	"en.20081008.17.3-113"2
lpv:hasSubsequent	lp_eu:2008-10-08-Speech-3-1142
lpv:speaker	lp:Jan Marinus Wiersma2
lpv:spokenAs	member; Delegation for relations with the countries of south-east Europe (2007-03-15--2009-07-13)3 member; Delegation to the EU-Moldova Parliamentary Cooperation Committee (2004-09-15--2009-07-13)3 vice-chair; PES (2004-07-20--2009-07-13)3 member; SEDE (2007-01-31--2009-07-13)3 substitute; INTA (2007-09-05--2009-07-13)3 unknown; Partij van de Arbeid (2004-07-20--2009-07-13)3 member; AFET (2007-01-31--2009-07-13)3
lpv:translated text	"Madam President, firstly, we too are dissatisfied with the outcome of the elections in Belarus, and we agree with the conclusion of the OSCE/ODIHR that the elections fell short of our European standards. Therefore, there is absolutely no reason to change EU policy towards Belarus now. We do agree that it is good to look at whether we can initiate dialogue with the Belarusian authorities on an informal basis, as has also been proposed by the French Presidency, on a possible follow-up. Follow-up measures must chiefly originate on their side. If Belarus is prepared to develop a dialogue with the European Union on the possibility of increasing freedom in its society, and to create elbow room, including for the opposition, the European Union will be able to respond. Until then, I do not support lifting the existing sanctions against a number of leading figures in the country who are not permitted to enter the EU. There have been a number of encouraging signs over recent months – these have already been mentioned by my fellow Members in this House – which indeed give cause to look at whether progress can be made by means of dialogue with the country. Secondly, if the Foreign Minister, Sergei Martynov, is invited to talks in Luxembourg, I propose that the Council also contact the opposition. There are two prominent representatives of the opposition here – Mr Kazulin and Mr Milinkevich. Why has the Council not invited them, too, to talks? On a final note, if dialogue is established with Belarus on possible reforms, we think it important that the opposition be involved. There is a precedent: some seven years ago a kind of informal dialogue was held in Belarus itself, partly under the auspices of the European Parliament, which was called the Parliamentary Troika on Belarus. It would be possible, if the Belarusian authorities were prepared to do so, to restart that dialogue via a kind of troika of the European Parliament, the OSCE and the Council of Europe. After all, whatever we do in Europe, whatever discussions we hold, the opposition must be involved."@en1
lpv:videoURI	<go to Events_and_structure europarl>2

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