Belarus parliament elections

MINSK, 5 September (BelTA) – The Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs hopes that the OSCE/ODIHR election observation mission will provide an objective evaluation of the parliamentary elections, Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei told reporters on 5 September, BelTA has learned.

“We believe that apart from giving critical comments, the final report should also reflect the positive aspects of the preparations and organization of the parliamentary elections. Objective analysis of the real situation with a balance of positive and negative comments provides a foundation for the development and expansion of the positive context of our relations with European partners,” Vladimir Makei said.

As he commented on the increased interest in the parliamentary campaign in Belarus, the minister said that elections in any country draw considerable interest, because this political event marks a certain step in the development of the country. Therefore, it is important that the international community recognizes this step to ensure further development of cooperation with a certain country.

“The role of Belarus is strengthening in the international arena. This has to do with the country’s efforts to resolve the crisis in Ukraine and, in general, with the policy that the country pursues. We are a donor of security in the region and in the world, rather than a source of ‘conflictogenity’. Our President stands by this principle, and we stick firmly to it. The task of Belarus is to make its contribution to the strengthening of security in the region. We want Belarus to be perceived as a country that causes no trouble to anyone. This role is becoming increasingly evident, and our western partners admit this. Probably this is the reason behind the increased interest in the parliamentary elections,” Vladimir Makei said.