I propose to take Questions Nos. 46, 95, 144 and 281 together.
In its declaration of 24 March the European Council stated: "On a continent of open and democratic societies, Belarus is a sad exception". Ireland and the European Union deplore the long-standing failure of the Belorussian authorities to meet their OSCE commitments to democratic elections. In light of the findings of the OSCE-ODIHR international election observation mission, we view the presidential elections of 19 March as fundamentally flawed.
The EU has repeatedly made clear that if the Belarus authorities were to reverse their policies and embark on fundamental democratic and economic reforms, their country could have the benefit of closer economic integration and political co-operation with the EU under the European neighbourhood policy. I sincerely regret that the presidential elections have not advanced this prospect and that the opportunity they offered to the people of Belarus has once again been missed.
Ireland and our EU and international partners are watching developments closely. The arrest and sentencing of Belorussian citizens and others who peacefully exercised their right of assembly and freedom of expression to protest the flawed election results shows the disregard of the Belorussian leadership for civil and political rights. I repeat the demand of the European Council for the immediate release of all those detained. I call on the Belarus authorities to refrain from further harassment or intimidation of those who, in the context of the presidential election, used peaceful means to try to develop civil society and advance democracy in Belarus. The European Council welcomed the message of hope brought by the democratic opposition and civil society and it reiterated the commitment of the European Union to engage with Belorussian society by further strengthening its support for civil society and for democratisation. I fully endorse this approach and will ensure that Ireland plays its part in working with partners to promote the process of democratic change. The people of Belarus must not be isolated from Europe by the policy of their leaders. It will be important therefore to intensify people-to-people contacts and to try to enhance access to independent sources of information.
The Irish Government's long-standing concern about the human rights situation in Belarus is well known to the Belarus authorities. It is communicated mainly through EU channels but also bilaterally by the Irish embassy in Moscow, which is accredited to Belarus, and in diplomatic contacts with the Embassy of Belarus in London. Ireland supported strongly the series of declarations on Belarus made by the EU before and since the presidential elections.
The European Council on 24 March decided to take restrictive measures against those responsible for the violations of international electoral standards, including President Lukashenko. Intensive work is under way and the Presidency hopes that a first measure, in the form of an expanded visa ban list, can be adopted at the General Affairs and External Relations Council on 10 April. Ireland is working to ensure that the EU response is targeted and proportionate. It must be directed against the responsible authorities, not against the ordinary people of Belarus. It must also be adaptable in light of future actions by the Belarus authorities, positive as well as negative.