OSCE CiO seriously concerned with the situation in Belarus

BRUSSELS, 3 March 2006 - The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Belgian Foreign Minister Karel De Gucht is concerned about the continued detention of four prominent domestic observers in Belarus, as well as the physical aggression and detention yesterday of a presidential candidate, who was later released.

"These detentions are signs of the deteriorated electoral climate in Belarus in the running up to the Presidential election of 19 March," said Minister De Gucht.

The CiO calls on the authorities in Belarus to stop this negative circle. He referred also to his declaration of 19 January 2006 where he said to expect that the authorities of Belarus ensure that the election process be conducted in a free and fair manner, including unimpeded access to the media by all candidates.

"It is essential that there be no further interference in the campaign and that there is full respect for the fundamental freedoms of assembly and association, as well as the freedom for expression", said the CiO and called for the immediate release of the detained domestic observers.

The Cio called on Ambassador of Belarus in Brussels on 3 March 2006 to express his concerns.