THE PRESIDENTIAL election in Belarus did not meet international standards as democratic, free, and transparent, reads a statement from the Slovak Foreign Ministry.
Instead of respecting the international community’s appeals to create and guarantee equal opportunity for all registered democratic candidates, state authorities and the incumbent president denied the opposition a voice by limiting its media access.
Moreover, pre-election demonstrations were disrupted and activists detained. The Slovak Foreign Ministry considers free speech and the right to assembly to be positive factors in building a civil society.
According to the results from local authorities, President Alexander Lukashenko received more than 80 percent of the votes. The European Union has expressed regret over the intimidating atmosphere in which the election was conducted.
Slovak Foreign Minister Eduard Kukan confirmed before the EU ministerial meeting held on Monday, March 20, that Slovakia would support tightening sanctions against representatives of Lukashenko's regime.
Compiled by Martina Jurinová from press reports
TheSlovak Spectator cannot vouch for the accuracy of the informationpresented in its Flash News postings.
