Wednesday, President of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades took part in an extraordinary meeting of the European Council on the situation in Belarus. The President expressed his deep concern over the events that followed the presidential election in the country and the use of violence against protesters.

Anastasiades stressed that the Republic of Cyprus supports the immediate and strong reaction of the EU, stressing that the same approach should be taken in foreign policy issues as in the case of third countries that violate the norms of international law and human rights. He noted that the Union cannot have double standards and should follow its principles and values.

It also pointed to the need for dialogue between the current Government and the opposition and civil society. It also called for an immediate end to violent methods of repression of mass demonstrations in the country.

As a result of the meeting, the Union’s High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, stated the EU disagreement with the results of the presidential elections in Belarus and the preparation of sanctions against those who violate the principles of democracy.

Source: Cyprus Government