Slovakia set to help Belarus on its way to democracy

• 13.11.2007, 12:11

One of the priorities of the new chairman of the Council of Europe, the Slovakian Republic, will be giving support to efforts which could change attitude of Belarus to criterions necessary for joining the Council. It is stated in the document published on the official internet-page of the Council of Europe. Since November 12 Slovakia heads the main regulatory body of this organization, the Committee of Ministers.

“The Slovakian Republic’s chairmanship will support all programs of assistance and cooperation of the Council of Europe which would help to change Belarus’ attitude towards criterions necessary for entering the Council,” the document underlines.

Slovakia is also set to continue supporting efforts on promoting stability in Europe, in particular in Western Balkans and in Eastern Europe, and efforts for further European integration.

The Slovakian Republic will fight against discrimination, racism, anti-Semitism, xenophobia, nationalism and chauvinism, the statement emphasizes.

The Council of Europe is the oldest organisation working for European integration. It was foundered in 1949 for defense of human rights, underpinning of parliamentary democracy and ensuring rule of law. At the moment 47 states are members of the Council of Europe. 5 more countries, Canada, Japan, Mexico, the U.S. and the Holy See have observer status.

Belarus is the only country in Europe which is not a member of the Council of Europe. In 1997 the republic was deprived of its observer status in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe after the results of the parliamentary elections in Belarus were found to be undemocratic.