Estonia: The Riigikogu passed a Statement in Support of Democracy and Civil Society in Belarus

NordenBladet — At the extraordinary sitting today, the Riigikogu passed the Statement of the Riigikogu “In Support of Democracy and Civil Society in Belarus”, submitted by 88 members of the Riigikogu.

Full text of the statement:

“The Riigikogu expresses its support to the people of Belarus in their fight for a free, democratic, and dignified future.

The Riigikogu promotes democracy, human rights and free elections in Belarus, applauds the courage of the people of Belarus to take a stand to defend their inalienable human and citizens’ rights, and expresses the solidarity of the people of Estonia with the people of Belarus.

The Riigikogu does not recognise the results of the 9 August 2020 presidential elections in Belarus, because these were not free, fair, or democratic.

The Riigikogu condemns any use of force against peaceful demonstrators, and calls on the authorities of Belarus to immediately free all the individuals arrested for political reasons.

The Riigikogu calls for the organisation of free, fair, and democratic elections at the earliest opportunity, under the supervision of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and other international organisations.

The Riigikogu urges the UN Member States and their parliaments to support the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Belarus and to condemn any attempts to interfere with the right of the people of Belarus to free and democratic elections.

The Riigikogu refers to its Statement of 21 February 2006, which expresses concern for the situation in Belarus and calls attention to the fact that the long-term violation of human rights and freedoms has led the Belarus society into an impasse that can only be escaped by taking guidance from the clear will of the people.

The Riigikogu welcomes the common position of the European Union leaders, stressing the need for the European Union and its Member States to complement the sanctions with the development of a policy of long-term support for the civil society in Belarus.

The Riigikogu encourages the Government of the Republic to continue active international cooperation on all levels, and to support democracy, civil society, and free press in Belarus.”

During the debate, Anneli Ott (Centre Party), Anti Poolamets (Estonian Conservative People’s Party), Raimond Kaljulaid (unaffiliated MP), Keit Pentus-Rosimannus (Reform Party), Mihhail Lotman (Isamaa), Aadu Must (Centre Party), and Minister of Foreign Affairs Urmas Reinsalu took the floor.

92 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of the Statement (223 AE).

 


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