MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION
13.2.2006
pursuant to Rule 103(2) of the Rules of Procedure
by Janusz Onyszkiewicz and Cecilia Malmström
on behalf of the ALDE Group
on Belarus in the run-up to the presidential elections on March 19
B6‑0125/2006
European Parliament resolution on Belarus in the run-up to the presidential elections on March 19
The European Parliament,
– having regard to its previous resolutions on the situation in Belarus,
– having regard to the forthcoming presidential elections in Belarus on March 19,
– having regard to Rule 103(2) of its Rules of Procedure,
A. whereas the political situation in Belarus continues to cause serious concern as to whether the presidential elections scheduled for 19 March will be conducted in accordance with European and international standards,
B. whereas the European Parliament, along with the Council, the Commission and the Member States, has repeatedly condemned the Belarus regime for its lack of respect for democratic and fundamental rights, and whereas the Belarus authorities have so far failed to react to the concerns expressed inside and outside the country over the authoritarian rule of President Lukashenko and his government,
C. whereas the united opposition is mounting a democratic and legitimate challenge to President Lukashenko and should be guaranteed the opportunity and possibility to a fair and free election and campaign in accordance with international standards,
1. Calls on the Belarus authorities to strictly adhere to domestic legislation and international standards and recommendations in the preparations for the March presidential elections, in the registration and verification of candidates, during the campaign and in the election itself;
2. Underlines in particular the need for fair access to media for all candidates, equal treatment by the election authorities and guaranteed objectivity and political neutrality from the state authorities and public administration;
3. Emphasizes that the proceedings of the Central Election Committee will be closely scrutinized during this period, in the light of earlier shortcomings in its work; underlines that officials involved in any attempts to interfere with the democratic process risk being subject to the visa ban imposed by the European Union, or to any other sanctions the EU may impose;
4. Calls on the Council and Commission to closely monitor the situation in Belarus in the run‑up to and during the elections; calls on the Council and on the High Representative to consider appointing a Special Representative for Belarus, should respect for democratic principles further deteriorate; welcomes the Commission's recent decisions concerning the launch and extension of the broadcasting of independent news and information to the citizens of Belarus; invites the Commission to consider drawing up an 'alternative action plan' for Belarus if the proceedings during and after the elections do not meet international democratic standards;
5. Expects an alternative action plan of this type to include concrete proposals for a more flexible use of EU technical assistance and financial support for civil society and proposals for an extended visa ban for Belarusian officials involved in electoral fraud, as well as other measures aimed at the restoration of democracy in the country and support for civil society;
6. Calls on the Council, the Commission and the Member States also to consider visa facilitation for Belarusian citizens, with the aim of ending the isolation of the Belarusian people;
7. Expresses its support for all democratic forces and activists within Belarus who continue to strive for respect for fundamental rights and democracy; urges all the citizens of Belarus to take part in the elections and to use their right to vote;
8. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the parliaments and governments of the Member States, the Council of Europe, the OSCE and the Belarus authorities and representatives of Belarusian civil society.