Belarus: "alongside" the demonstrators, the uncompromising EU with Lukashenko

Text by: RFI Follow

3 min

"We are at the side of the demonstrators", repeated in heart the European leaders Wednesday, August 19, at the end of the summit by videoconference devoted to the situation of crisis in Belarus. Europeans do not recognize the results of the elections which saw Alexander Lukashenko remain in power. They condemned the crackdown on protests that have lasted eleven days.

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With our correspondent in Brussels, Joana Hostein

Supporting the Belarusian people is the priority of the leaders of the European Union, who gathered for an extraordinary summit this Wednesday, August 19. The European Commission has therefore announced a budget of 53 million euros, intended for civil society, independent media, as well as hospital services hit hard by the coronavirus crisis. This is not new money, but funds that were previously intended for the government. A government that Europeans no longer recognize, as Charles Michel said very firmly.

►Also read: The European Union does not recognize the result of the presidential election in Belarus

European Union calls for political transition

“  Stop the violence. We do not recognize the election results presented by the authorities. We call for an inclusive national dialogue  , ”insisted the President of the European Council. More than ever, the European Union is opposed to Alexander Lukashenko, in power in Belarus for 26 years and decried after his re-election on August 9.

Belarusians have taken to the streets with mass protests and strikes.

From ordinary families to students and factory workers.

They deserve the democratic right to choose their leaders & shape their future. # EUCO #Belarus pic.twitter.com/TR6LZp9vY9

Europeans want a political transition, without calling for new elections to be held. "  The people of Belarus have the right to decide their future,  " insisted Charles Michel in a message relayed on Twitter. Regarding sanctions, a "  substantial  " number of leaders of the regime of Alexander Lukashenko will be targeted, specified the President of the European Council. More specifically, it will be the leaders responsible for the repression and falsification of electoral results.

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• Belarus
• European Union
• Alexander Lukashenko

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