BRATISLAVA, February 3, (WEBNOVINY) — Slovakia will support sanctions against the regime of President Alexander Lukashenko in Belarus as well as measures for the benefit of building a civic society in the country, stated Foreign Affairs Minister Mikulas Dzurinda (SDKU-DS) during regular Hour of Questions in Parliament on Thursday afternoon. According to Dzurinda, sanctions include an entry ban to the EU for certain people and freezing their bank accounts.
Slovakia together with the EU will support the civil sector with a simplified visa regime in particular for the youth, sportsmen and artists. For those who will still need to apply for a visa, the fees should be reduced. Dzurinda explained that the aim of the measures is to allow citizens of Belarus to visit countries of the EU and then be able to push for democratic values in their country.
According to the foreign minister, Slovak NGOs in Belarus are extremely active and will get substantial support. The EU will buy new computers for the NGOs to replace those seized by the police, as well as pay lawyers for people who were imprisoned. Another form of help will be establishment of a fund thanks to which students from Belarus will be able to study in Slovakia. Assistance is to be provided to families of persecuted dissidents.
Lukashenko has been in power in Belarus since 1994. He last won the elections in December 2010.
SITA