EU Backs Belarus Pro-Democracy Rallies, Rejects Poll Results

By: Admin

Image caption: The Associated Press Belarusian miners gather for a rally in Salihorsk, about 120 km from Minsk, Belarus, on Monday.

BRUSSELS (AP):

European Union *EU) leaders on Wednesday said they stand beside the people protesting for democratic rights in Belarus, rejecting election results that swept the country’s leader of 26 years back into power, and warned they are preparing a long list of Belarusians who face sanctions over vote fraud and a brutal crackdown on protesters.

The message of support came as the leading opposition candidate urged the Europeans to support “the awakening of Belarus”, and as authorities there began again detaining protesters, who took to the streets of Minsk for an 11th day to demand that President Alexander Lukashenko resign. Lukashenko accused the EU of “fomenting unrest”.

“The European Union stands in solidarity with the people of Belarus, and we don’t accept impunity,” European Council President Charles Michel told reporters after chairing an emergency teleconference. “We don’t recognise the results presented by the Belarus authorities.”

Belarus isn’t a member of the EU. Michel said the bloc will impose sanctions on “a substantial number” of people linked to election fraud and violence. He declined to name any of those who might be listed. He also said that the 27-nation bloc fully supports mediating efforts between the Belarusian government and opposition overseen by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe.

MORE FUNDING

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU will “mobilise now an additional 53 million euros ($63 million) to support the Belarusian people in these challenging times”. Two million euros will help victims of the crackdown, while one million euros will support civil society and independent media. Most of it is coronavirus emergency assistance.

Belarus security forces detained almost 7,000 people and injured hundreds with rubber bullets, stun grenades and clubs in the first four days of demonstrations. At least three protesters died.