Motion for a resolution - B8-1239/2016Motion for a resolution
B8-1239/2016

MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Belarus

16.11.2016 - (2016/2934(RSP))

to wind up the debate on the statement by the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
pursuant to Rule 123(2) of the Rules of Procedure

Helmut Scholz, Jiří Maštálka, Merja Kyllönen on behalf of the GUE/NGL Group

Procedure : 2016/2934(RSP)
Document stages in plenary
Document selected :  
B8-1239/2016
Texts tabled :
B8-1239/2016
Debates :
Texts adopted :

B8-1239/2016

European Parliament resolution on Belarus

(2016/2934(RSP))

The European Parliament,

–  having regard to Rule 123(2) of its Rules of Procedure,

A.  whereas during the last two years a number of steps have been taken which have contributed to improving EU-Belarus relations; whereas this includes negotiations on a Visa Facilitation and Readmission Agreement and a Mobility Partnership, the resumption of the EU-Belarus Human Rights Dialogue, the signing of a Cooperation Arrangement on an Early Warning Mechanism in the energy sector, and the proactive participation of Belarus in the Eastern Partnership;

B.  whereas the EU has not extended the restrictive measures affecting170 individuals and three companies, but has decided that the arms embargo and the restrictive measures related to the four individuals listed in connection with the unresolved disappearances of two opposition politicians, one businessman and one journalist will remain in place;

C.  whereas the political prisoners have been released; whereas the OSCE Election Observation Mission concluded: ‘The 11 September parliamentary elections were efficiently organised and ... there were visible efforts to address some long-standing problems’, but nevertheless noted: ‘A number of systemic shortcomings remain, such as [that] the legal framework restricts political rights and fundamental freedoms and was interpreted in an overly restrictive manner. Media coverage did not enable voters to make an informed choice and, despite an overall increase in the number of candidates, including a significant number from the opposition, the campaign lacked visibility’;

D.  whereas Belarus has started to play a constructive role in the region;

E.  whereas capital punishment continues to be used in Belarus;

F.  whereas Belarus is a member of the Eurasian Economic Union; whereas Russia is Belarus’s most important trading partner and accounts for almost half of Belarus’s international trade;

1.  Calls on the EU to sustain the momentum for the further normalisation of relations with Belarus: welcomes the lifting of the restrictive measures against Belarus and reiterates its view that existing differences can be best addressed through enhanced channels of communication and that further engagement of the EU, and notably the European Parliament, in a dialogue with Belarus and in particular its citizens and civil society, as well as with the parliament and various political parties, can bring tangible results and contribute to the independence, sovereignty and prosperity of the country;

2.  Calls for normal parliamentary relations to be established between the European Parliament and the Parliament of Belarus; takes the view that this is the appropriate framework for a comprehensive dialogue on issues of common interest, including those where the partners have fundamental differences;

3.  Notes the results of the parliamentary elections and the fact that, for the first time in 12 years, some members of the opposition are represented in the parliament; calls on the Belarusian government, together with the newly elected parliament, to carry on with the democratisation process and undertake a comprehensive effort to address the longstanding recommendations of the OSCE and the Venice Commission;

4.  Welcomes the readiness of the Belarusian authorities to restart the dialogue with international partners such as the EU on human rights problems; deplores the fact that problems remain in the cooperation with the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Belarus; calls on the government and parliament of Belarus to address the concerns and recommendations contained in the resolution of the UN Human Rights Council of 28 June 2016[1];

5.  Reiterates its calls on Belarus to introduce a moratorium on the use of the death penalty with a view to its abolition;

6.  Calls on Belarus to continue to contribute to the reopening of the dialogue and cooperation between Russia, Ukraine and the EU;

7.  Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the parliaments and governments of the Member States, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the Parliamentary Assemblies of the OSCE and the Council of Europe, the Secretariat of the Commonwealth of Independent States and the Parliament and Government of Belarus.