A year after the fraudulent election in Belarus, the European Union has warned that Lukashenko is considering new measures against the dictatorship.

The European Union (EU) warned this Sunday that new measures could be used against Belarus’ dictatorship. Continue to “violate” international normsA year after the “fraudulent” election, Alexander Lukashenko was declared the winner.

High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Policy In a statement, Joseph Borel said, “The EU is ready to consider new measures in light of the blatant violation of the international commitment (Belarusian) regime.”.

The only way to end the political crisis, the Spanish diplomat said, was through “inclusive national dialogue.”

The High Representative recalled On August 9, 2020, the last elections in the country took place, where the people of Belarus “brutally disappointed in the hope that they would elect a legitimate leader for the country”. “Since then, the people of Belarus have consistently and courageously defended their respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. A year later, his call was not answered, “he added.

The reign of Alexander Lukashenko “a A well-planned campaign for repression and intimidation against civil society and human rights defenders“And Destroy NGOs and independent media with the aim of silencing all voices and suppressing civilian space.He added.

In connection with the crisis with Lithuania, Ryan Air Flight 4978 made an illegal and forced landing in Minsk on May 23 and was carrying equipment of vulnerable migrants. “The regime has further violated international norms”Borel noted.

For this reason, the European Union, along with other allies, has “called on the Lukashenko regime to put an end to its repressive practices.”

Borel insisted on it EU sanctions can only be lifted if “Belarusian authorities fully adhere to the principles of democracy and the rule of law, respect human rights obligations and put an end to all repression.”

The The EU must release more than 600 political prisoners unconditionally and begin a “serious, credible and inclusive political process” that will end in free and fair elections. Under the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the Office of Democratic Institutions and the Office of Human Rights (ODIHR) Electoral Experts (EEA).

Borel added, As Belarus begins its “democratic transition,” the European Union has pledged to stabilize the country’s economy, reform its institutions, create new jobs and improve the living standards of its people. This includes a comprehensive economic support program of nearly $ 3.53 billion, he said.

The EU “continues to support the people of Belarus, providing emergency assistance to repressive and independent media and international humanitarian aid and accountability public efforts.”Borel noted.

Presidential election in Belarus on August 9, 2020, which gave Lukashenko a new term. They led to months of struggles. Lukashenko, who has been in power since 1994, received 80.1 percent of the vote, compared to 10.1 percent for the opposition Svetlana Dzhanovskaya, according to an official poll released by the ruling party.

The Belarusian opposition condemned the massive fraud and called for re-election, which Lukashenko rejected outright. On the contrary, The dictatorship intensified repression and persecution against the opposition, Dijanovskaya had to be deported to Lithuania for this.

Many countries, including the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom and Ukraine, did not recognize the election. On the other hand, Russia, China, many countries in the post-Soviet space, Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua and Turkey, among others, accepted the results of the referendum and gave strong support to the dictator.

(With information from EFE)

Read: