Situation with human rights in Belarus will be high on the HRC agenda in June

The EU Council reiterates its willingness to start visa negotiations with Belarus. It also names the situation with human rights in Belarus a key EU priority for the 23rd session of the HRC.

  A recent Foreign Affairs Council meeting led by Catherine Ashton “reiterates its readiness to launch negotiations on a visa facilitation and readmission agreement with Belarus and welcomes that Member States continue to make optimal use of the existing flexibilities offered by the Visa Code”. It is stated in the press release of the EU Council meeting held in Brussels on February 18, 2013.

The Council also highlighted the “particular role of the Eastern Partnership to support those who seek an ever closer relationship with the EU,” and pointed out that “at the heart of the Eastern Partnership lies a shared commitment to international law and fundamental values, including democracy, the rule of law, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, as well as to market economy, sustainable development and good governance.”