OSCE Chairman-in-Office concerned about arrests in Belarus

VIENNA, 1 April 1999 - The Chairman-in-Office of the OSCE, Norwegian Foreign Minister Knut Vollebæk, is deeply concerned about the 30 March 1999 arrest of Mr. Mikhail Chegir, a former Prime Minister of Belarus and one of the candidates for the presidential elections called for by the 13th Supreme Soviet for 16 May 1999.

The arrest of Mr. Chegir is an unjustified political manoeuvre against the opposition, designed to quash its presidential election efforts. It is important that the current, serious constitutional conflict between the Government of Belarus and the opposition is solved as soon as possible without resorting to confrontational and undemocratic practices.

The Chairman-in-Office reminds the Government of Belarus of its obligation as an OSCE participating State to respect democratic principles. He calls for the immediate release of Mr. Chegir. Both the Government and the opposition should pursue a constructive dialogue to resolve Belarus' constitutional impasse.