Martynau didn’t even remember human rights in Luxemburg

• 14.10.2008, 13:10

Belarusian foreign minister Syarhei Martynau spoke about economy and ecology during a summit in Luxemburg, and didn’t say a single word about human right and freedom of media.

Sayrhei Martynau met with Javier Solana, EU foreign policy chief, after a session of the Council of Ministers of the EU, Polskie Radio reports.

“Belarus hopes for deeper ties with Europe,” Syarhei Martynau said after the meeting.

“The government of Belarus put much into this day. We have estimated a EU’s decision (lifting of sanctions) and expect it to be extended and deepened as our relations and cooperation will develop,” Martynau said.

The head of the foreign ministry of Belarus added that these “relations are of interests of the both sides: from economy to prevention of illegal traffic, illegal migration, transit, and environment protection.”

Syarhei Martynau didn’t say a single word about reforms in the sphere of human rights and freedom of speech, which are the main conditions for lifting sanctions on Belarus by the EU.

The European Union is to send a special diplomatic mission to Belarus in the nearest time, which aim is to continue cooperation with the Belarusian side at a technical level.