26/8/2005
European Commission Support For Independent Broadcasting To Belarus

The European Commission has granted a €138,000 contract to Deutsche Welle Radio to broadcast into Belarus, a country that has some of the tightest restrictions on freedom of expression.

“We are extremely worried about the lack of freedom of expression in Belarus. This initiative will bring independent international radio to the Belarusian population. It will increase their awareness of the deteriorating situation of democracy, the rule of law and human rights in their country,” said Benita Ferrero-Waldner, Commissioner for External Relations & European Neighbourhood Policy.

“We wish to have in Belarus a neighbour that respects democratic values, the rule of law and human rights. It must fulfil its OSCE human rights obligations. I am working together with the EU Member States to closely monitor the human rights situation, and we are using all the means at our disposal to support those striving for the development of a democratic and pluralist society in Belarus. We are ready to take additional steps should the situation deteriorate further.” Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner said.

The EU maintains restrictions on ministerial-level contacts with the Belarusian authorities, but at the same time supports civil society and democratisation in Belarus. An EU visa ban is in place against high-ranking officials who have been implicated in election fraud, severe human rights violations and repression of demonstrators.