In the EU reported a willingness to do "reciprocal steps" relative to Minsk

Nina Gurina. The head of the European Council Donald Tusk said about the readiness of the EU to make relatively Minsk a number of "unusual reciprocal steps" in the presence of positive signals from the Belarusian side.

The European Union alleging human rights violations in Belarus in 2012 expanded introduced in early winter 2010 punishment on the country and made it a condition of improvement of relations, the release of all " political prisoners ". Minsk claims that political prisoners in the country. Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko expressed hope that the country's partners in the EU will be able to understand "through the veil implanted individual politicians negative image of Belarus" the importance of normalization of relations and to consider the prospects of building with her long-term relationship.

"If there is the first signs of goodwill Minsk, If positive signals will continue, I'm willing to do some unusual reciprocal steps," said Tusk in conversation to a narrow circle of correspondents from countries of " Eastern partnership ". Quoted him as saying on Wednesday Belarusian portal tut. By. However, Tusk has not said what specific steps can be discussed, but added that " everything is in the hands of President Lukashenko."

He said that Belarus position on the Ukrainian crisis had a positive impact on the attitude towards the Republic." I saw that Belarus is truly independent and neutral in this very important issue for both the EU and Belarus ", - said the head of the European Council.

Tusk called Belarus "a responsible and predictable partner" in regard to the conflict in South-Eastern Ukraine and supported the role of Minsk in Its resolution. However, the politician noted that the EU cannot change its position on a small internal problems in Belarus, such as the circumstances of human rights and political prisoners.

Responding to criticism about weak productivity in the EU program "Eastern partnership for Belarus, He said that" the proposal from Belarus has been limited, perhaps, for this reason, and the results are very limited compared to, for example, with Moldova ".

The program "Eastern partnership" includes political Association and economic integration of the EU with Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine. The last 3 countries last year signed the Association agreement with the EU partnership.

Belarus at the upcoming may 21-22 in Riga the summit of "Eastern partnership" will be represented by foreign Minister Vladimir Makei.


sections: Politics