EU Presidency declaration on 'Disappeared Persons in Belarus'

The European Union takes note of the adoption of the Resolution and Recommendations of the Report on "Disappeared Persons in Belarus" by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe on 28th April 2004. The European Union is gravely concerned about the findings of the Report, which raises issues of the most fundamental concern in relation to human rights and the rule of law in Belarus.

The European Union notes that the report refers to high-level State involvement in politically motivated disappearances. The report concludes that the disappearances have not been properly investigated and that steps were taken at the highest level to cover up the disappearances.

The European Union supports the request made by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe that the competent Belarusian authorities launch a truly independent investigation into the disappearances. This investigation should examine, inter alia, the conduct of the Prosecutor General, Minister for Sport and Tourism and others named in the Pourgourides Report. The European Union calls for such an investigation to be opened under a neutral investigator. Pending such investigation, the EU questions whether those named should remain in their current positions of authority.

Given the seriousness of the findings of the Pourgourides Report, and the length of time which has already passed, the European Union believes that the early publication of the findings of such an independent report is required. If criminal proceedings are warranted, these should be instituted without delay.

The European Union will remain seized of this issue and of follow-up actions by the Government of Belarus. The Union will study further the recommendations made by the Parliamentary Assembly as part of its ongoing concern about the human rights situation in Belarus.

The European Union also takes note of the adoption of the Resolution and Recommendations of the report on "The Persecution of the Press in the Republic of Belarus" by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. The European Union remains extremely concerned about the situation of the press in Belarus and calls on the Government of Belarus to act on the Recommendations in the report.

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