Debates

Thursday, 5 July 2012 - Strasbourg

Freedom of expression in Belarus, in particular, the case of Andrzej Poczobut (debate)

  Franz Obermayr (NI), Blue-card answer. – (DE) I would like to thank Mr Migalski for his question. This allows me the opportunity to explain my position more precisely than I could have done in just one minute. Of course this offers the Members of the European Parliament an opportunity to stop and think. My concern is to find a balance when measuring violations against human rights and the freedom of the press because, as I have already pointed out, we tend to be a little more tolerant of other countries that are somewhat bigger and more important than Belarus. That is my first point.

I also believe that we need to support Belarus on the difficult path to democracy through dialogue and that we should also take a delicate approach. We should not forget that our primary concern must be the people who are under threat; however, we must tread with caution.