Opinions & Interviews
Rigoni notes Belarus’ positive attitude to development of relations with EU
MINSK, 23 March (BelTA) – Belarus shows a welcoming and positive attitude to the development of the relations with the Council of Europe and the European Union in general, Andrea Rigoni, Rapporteur on Belarus of the Political Affairs Committee of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), said as he met with Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko on 23 March, BelTA has learned.
“I would like to thank you personally for this meeting that shows that you are open to dialogue and that Belarus has a welcoming and positive attitude to the development of the relations with the Council of Europe and the European Union in general,” Andrea Rigoni said.
He said that he is preparing a report on the situation in Belarus and wants to see the situation in the country from within to make sure that the document is honest and fair.
“You know what the Council of Europe is. It is a big platform in Strasbourg to discuss everything that happens on the European continent. The Council of Europe covers the space from Vladivostok to Reykjavik, and it is very difficult sometimes to get a proper understanding of the situation in each country separately, Andrea Rigoni said.
“There are no two states alike. Every country has its culture and traditions, and makes its contribution to the common European heritage. We are all different yet equal. The Council of Europe, the PACE always promote dialogue and equal exchange of opinions. We always learn something from others, who, in turn, learn from us,” Andrea Rigoni said.
The draft report on the situation in Belarus will include PACE’s new resolution. The diplomat plans to present the document at the next meeting of the PACE Committee on Political Affairs and Democracy in April 2017. The document will be considered at the PACE session in June.
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