news

Belarus

Followers

Showing posts with label Belarus. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Belarus. Show all posts

German Merkel Says She Will Meet Belarus Opposition Leader Soon

German Merkel Says She Will Meet Belarus Opposition Leader Soon

(AFP) German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Wednesday she would hold talks with Belarus's main opposition leader, days after French President Emmanuel Macron met with her and pledged to help mediate in her country's crisis.

"I will soon meet the opposition leader Ms (Svetlana) Tikhanovskaya," Merkel told parliament, hailing the "courage" of the women demonstrating since a disputed election last month in which the opposition has claimed victory against President Alexander Lukashenko.

Merkel, who holds the rotating presidency of the European Union, said Germany did not recognise Lukashenko as the winner of the vote and that she condemned the government's violence against protesters.

"When you see the courage shown by the women who are appearing on the streets for a free life without corruption, then I can only say: I admire that and find it truly impressive," she said.

Macron spoke with Tikhanovskaya this week on a visit to Lithuania in her most high-profile meeting so far since the Belarus election.

"We will do our best as Europeans to help mediate and we will come back to OSCE mediation in order to progress," Macron said.

The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) has offered to help broker a negotiated end to the crisis in Belarus.

Mass protests that have continued since the election have been met with a bloody crackdown and Tikhanovskaya's husband Sergei is in prison accused of trying to overthrow the government.
(AFP) German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Wednesday she would hold talks with Belarus's main opposition leader, days after French President Emmanuel Macron met with her and pledged to help mediate in her country's crisis.

"I will soon meet the opposition leader Ms (Svetlana) Tikhanovskaya," Merkel told parliament, hailing the "courage" of the women demonstrating since a disputed election last month in which the opposition has claimed victory against President Alexander Lukashenko.

Merkel, who holds the rotating presidency of the European Union, said Germany did not recognise Lukashenko as the winner of the vote and that she condemned the government's violence against protesters.

"When you see the courage shown by the women who are appearing on the streets for a free life without corruption, then I can only say: I admire that and find it truly impressive," she said.

Macron spoke with Tikhanovskaya this week on a visit to Lithuania in her most high-profile meeting so far since the Belarus election.

"We will do our best as Europeans to help mediate and we will come back to OSCE mediation in order to progress," Macron said.

The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) has offered to help broker a negotiated end to the crisis in Belarus.

Mass protests that have continued since the election have been met with a bloody crackdown and Tikhanovskaya's husband Sergei is in prison accused of trying to overthrow the government.

Russian President Putin says Belarus facing 'unprecedented external pressure', in televised remarks

Russian President Putin says Belarus facing 'unprecedented external pressure', in televised remarks

Belarus opposition leader says will address French parliament following invitation by Macron

President Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Tuesday that neighbouring Belarus was under unprecedented external pressure, as the Kremlin's ex-Soviet ally faces a historic political crisis over disputed elections, AFP reported. 

Putin in televised remarks said, Belarus is in a "difficult situation" and facing "unprecedented external pressure", following a presidential election that sparked ongoing protests and was not recognised by Western countries.

However, Belarus's main opposition leader on Tuesday said she would address France's parliament after talks with President Emmanuel Macron in which he promised to help mediate in the political crisis. "We have received an invitation to speak before the French parliament and we have accepted it," Svetlana Tikhanovskaya told AFP after meeting with Macron during his visit to Lithuania.

The meeting with Macron was her most high-profile one so far since a disputed election last month in which she has claimed victory against President Alexander Lukashenko. Tikhanovskaya has previously addressed the UN Human Rights Council and the European Parliament and has met with EU foreign ministers and the leaders of neighbouring Poland and Lithuania.

After the meeting in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius, Macron said: "We will do our best as Europeans to help mediate and we will come back to OSCE mediation in order to progress".

The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) has offered to help broker a negotiated end to the crisis in Belarus.

"He supports the idea of mediation because he understands that powerful countries need to be involved to begin negotiations with Lukashenko. He is ready to help with this," she said.

Belarus opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya
"I think he will speak with the Russian side about Belarus and he will do everything possible to involve Russia in these negotiations."

She said the crisis should be resolved "as soon as possible" and new free and fair elections should be held before the end of the year.

Mass protests that have continued since the election have been met with a violent crackdown and Tikhanovskaya's husband Sergei is in prison accused of trying to overthrow the government.

Macron promised to "do everything he can to release all the political prisoners", she said.

"For Mr Macron this is not just a political interest, it is interest above all as a human being because our rights are being trampled, we have a dictatorship. He understands people who are fighting for their rights," she added.

© 2020 AFP

Belarus opposition leader says will address French parliament following invitation by Macron

President Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Tuesday that neighbouring Belarus was under unprecedented external pressure, as the Kremlin's ex-Soviet ally faces a historic political crisis over disputed elections, AFP reported. 

Putin in televised remarks said, Belarus is in a "difficult situation" and facing "unprecedented external pressure", following a presidential election that sparked ongoing protests and was not recognised by Western countries.

However, Belarus's main opposition leader on Tuesday said she would address France's parliament after talks with President Emmanuel Macron in which he promised to help mediate in the political crisis. "We have received an invitation to speak before the French parliament and we have accepted it," Svetlana Tikhanovskaya told AFP after meeting with Macron during his visit to Lithuania.

The meeting with Macron was her most high-profile one so far since a disputed election last month in which she has claimed victory against President Alexander Lukashenko. Tikhanovskaya has previously addressed the UN Human Rights Council and the European Parliament and has met with EU foreign ministers and the leaders of neighbouring Poland and Lithuania.

After the meeting in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius, Macron said: "We will do our best as Europeans to help mediate and we will come back to OSCE mediation in order to progress".

The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) has offered to help broker a negotiated end to the crisis in Belarus.

"He supports the idea of mediation because he understands that powerful countries need to be involved to begin negotiations with Lukashenko. He is ready to help with this," she said.

Belarus opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya
"I think he will speak with the Russian side about Belarus and he will do everything possible to involve Russia in these negotiations."

She said the crisis should be resolved "as soon as possible" and new free and fair elections should be held before the end of the year.

Mass protests that have continued since the election have been met with a violent crackdown and Tikhanovskaya's husband Sergei is in prison accused of trying to overthrow the government.

Macron promised to "do everything he can to release all the political prisoners", she said.

"For Mr Macron this is not just a political interest, it is interest above all as a human being because our rights are being trampled, we have a dictatorship. He understands people who are fighting for their rights," she added.

© 2020 AFP

UN rights council to host urgent debate on Belarus violence

UN rights council to host urgent debate on Belarus violence

 

According to AFP, the UN Human Rights Council agreed Monday to host an urgent debate about the deteriorating rights situation in Belarus since protests erupted over Alexander Lukashenko's disputed re-election as president last month.


The decision to host an urgent debate, as requested by the European Union, was taken following a vote, with 25 of the council's 47 members voting in favour, two against and 20 abstentions.

UN Human Rights Council President Elisabeth Tichy-Fisslberger of Austria said the debate would take place on Friday.

The Council’s President said 25 members of the council voted in favour and two against, with 20 abstentions, meaning the motion was adopted.

According to Reuters, Belarussian ambassador Yury Ambrazevich objected to the motion, submitted on behalf of the European Union, which he described as “part of a broad political campaign organised by the European Union in order to support political forces in Belarus who lost the election”.

“...the EU is creating the conditions for preserving this political standoff in the society of Belarus,” he added.

 

According to AFP, the UN Human Rights Council agreed Monday to host an urgent debate about the deteriorating rights situation in Belarus since protests erupted over Alexander Lukashenko's disputed re-election as president last month.


The decision to host an urgent debate, as requested by the European Union, was taken following a vote, with 25 of the council's 47 members voting in favour, two against and 20 abstentions.

UN Human Rights Council President Elisabeth Tichy-Fisslberger of Austria said the debate would take place on Friday.

The Council’s President said 25 members of the council voted in favour and two against, with 20 abstentions, meaning the motion was adopted.

According to Reuters, Belarussian ambassador Yury Ambrazevich objected to the motion, submitted on behalf of the European Union, which he described as “part of a broad political campaign organised by the European Union in order to support political forces in Belarus who lost the election”.

“...the EU is creating the conditions for preserving this political standoff in the society of Belarus,” he added.

Syria announces solidarity with Lukashenko in Belarus

Syria announces solidarity with Lukashenko in Belarus

Syrian al Assad 
Damascus expressed its solidarity with Belarusian President, Alexander Lukashenko, stating that they are in support of the aforementioned leader “in the face of the attempts of external interference in its internal affairs.,” AMN reported.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates said that Syria “is following with great interest the developments of events in the friendly Republic of Belarus.” They also expressed its rejection and condemnation of “the insistence of some well-known countries on undermining the legitimate elected governments in independent and sovereign countries.”

According to the Syrian Foreign Ministry, Syria is astonished by “the persistence of some Western countries threatening security and stability in many countries, and promoting projects of chaos and division, seeking to dominate peoples’ choices and decisions, and control their capabilities and wealth.”

The statement continued that Syria “renews its pride in its distinguished and important relations with the Republic of Belarus, and constantly recalls the Belarusian position of solidarity with Syria in facing the terrorist war that targets it, and rejecting the attempts of external interference in its internal affairs.”

The statement said that Syria affirms its “constant aspiration to strengthen and develop these bilateral relations in a way that achieves the common interests of the two friendly peoples and enhances their capabilities to confront attempts to dominate and interfere in their internal affairs.”

Syria renewed its “confidence in the choices of the friendly Belarusian people, the wisdom of its leadership and its government, and its ability to overcome this crisis and achieve more security and prosperity for friendly Belarus.”
Syrian al Assad 
Damascus expressed its solidarity with Belarusian President, Alexander Lukashenko, stating that they are in support of the aforementioned leader “in the face of the attempts of external interference in its internal affairs.,” AMN reported.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates said that Syria “is following with great interest the developments of events in the friendly Republic of Belarus.” They also expressed its rejection and condemnation of “the insistence of some well-known countries on undermining the legitimate elected governments in independent and sovereign countries.”

According to the Syrian Foreign Ministry, Syria is astonished by “the persistence of some Western countries threatening security and stability in many countries, and promoting projects of chaos and division, seeking to dominate peoples’ choices and decisions, and control their capabilities and wealth.”

The statement continued that Syria “renews its pride in its distinguished and important relations with the Republic of Belarus, and constantly recalls the Belarusian position of solidarity with Syria in facing the terrorist war that targets it, and rejecting the attempts of external interference in its internal affairs.”

The statement said that Syria affirms its “constant aspiration to strengthen and develop these bilateral relations in a way that achieves the common interests of the two friendly peoples and enhances their capabilities to confront attempts to dominate and interfere in their internal affairs.”

Syria renewed its “confidence in the choices of the friendly Belarusian people, the wisdom of its leadership and its government, and its ability to overcome this crisis and achieve more security and prosperity for friendly Belarus.”

Belarus Leader Lukashenko Says Wants To Talk With Putin - AFP

Belarus Leader Lukashenko Says Wants To Talk With Putin - AFP

"The aggression against Belarus is developing. We need to contact Putin, the president of Russia, so that I can talk with him now," Lukashenko said in a meeting with government officials



AFP: Belarus leader Alexander Lukashenko said Saturday he wanted to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin as protests grew over a disputed election. "The aggression against Belarus is developing. We need to contact Putin, the president of Russia, so that I can talk with him now," Lukashenko said in a meeting with government officials.

"Because this is already a threat not only to Belarus."

Thousands of opposition supporters have been taking to the streets for days against Lukashenko's claim to have won re-election last Sunday with 80 percent of the vote, in the biggest challenge to his rule since he came to power in 1994.

Belarus is more tightly linked to Russia than any other country and the two form a "union state" with an integrated economic zone and military alliance.

"The protection of Belarus today is no less than the protection of our entire space, the union state, and an example to others. If Belarus cannot withstand it, this wave will roll there."
"The aggression against Belarus is developing. We need to contact Putin, the president of Russia, so that I can talk with him now," Lukashenko said in a meeting with government officials



AFP: Belarus leader Alexander Lukashenko said Saturday he wanted to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin as protests grew over a disputed election. "The aggression against Belarus is developing. We need to contact Putin, the president of Russia, so that I can talk with him now," Lukashenko said in a meeting with government officials.

"Because this is already a threat not only to Belarus."

Thousands of opposition supporters have been taking to the streets for days against Lukashenko's claim to have won re-election last Sunday with 80 percent of the vote, in the biggest challenge to his rule since he came to power in 1994.

Belarus is more tightly linked to Russia than any other country and the two form a "union state" with an integrated economic zone and military alliance.

"The protection of Belarus today is no less than the protection of our entire space, the union state, and an example to others. If Belarus cannot withstand it, this wave will roll there."

Germany summons Belarus ambassador over disputed vote, according to government source

Germany summons Belarus ambassador over disputed vote, according to government source

Profile Picture
AFP: Germany, which holds the rotating EU presidency, on Thursday summoned the Belarusian ambassador to urgent talks over President Alexander Lukashenko's disputed re-election.

"Today the Belarusian ambassador was invited to the Federal Foreign Office for an urgent discussion in view of current developments," a government source told AFP. The move comes ahead of a meeting on Friday of EU foreign ministers to discuss possible sanctions on Belarus.

Lukashenko's opponents accuse him of rigging Sunday's election to defeat his main rival, popular opposition candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who has left the ex-Soviet country for neighbouring Lithuania.

During four nights of unrest since the vote, police have used stun grenades, rubber bullets, tear gas, water cannon and, in at least one case, live fire to disperse the crowds.

At least two people have died and hundreds have been wounded in the violence while nearly 7,000 have been arrested.

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas had said earlier Thursday that the latest developments, including the "brutal" repression of peaceful demonstrators, were "unacceptable" in 21st century Europe.

"That's why we have to raise the pressure on those in power there," Maas said at a Berlin press conference alongside his Norwegian counterpart.

"We will certainly have to talk about the question of sanctions, an issue that is being intensely discussed at the moment. I hope we will find a common solution at tomorrow's meeting," he said.

Cautious optimism in the recent past that Belarus was headed in the right direction has proved unfounded, he said.

The election and the events that followed "have destroyed these hopes", he said, and with that, "any prerequisites for easing sanctions against Belarus".
Profile Picture
AFP: Germany, which holds the rotating EU presidency, on Thursday summoned the Belarusian ambassador to urgent talks over President Alexander Lukashenko's disputed re-election.

"Today the Belarusian ambassador was invited to the Federal Foreign Office for an urgent discussion in view of current developments," a government source told AFP. The move comes ahead of a meeting on Friday of EU foreign ministers to discuss possible sanctions on Belarus.

Lukashenko's opponents accuse him of rigging Sunday's election to defeat his main rival, popular opposition candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who has left the ex-Soviet country for neighbouring Lithuania.

During four nights of unrest since the vote, police have used stun grenades, rubber bullets, tear gas, water cannon and, in at least one case, live fire to disperse the crowds.

At least two people have died and hundreds have been wounded in the violence while nearly 7,000 have been arrested.

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas had said earlier Thursday that the latest developments, including the "brutal" repression of peaceful demonstrators, were "unacceptable" in 21st century Europe.

"That's why we have to raise the pressure on those in power there," Maas said at a Berlin press conference alongside his Norwegian counterpart.

"We will certainly have to talk about the question of sanctions, an issue that is being intensely discussed at the moment. I hope we will find a common solution at tomorrow's meeting," he said.

Cautious optimism in the recent past that Belarus was headed in the right direction has proved unfounded, he said.

The election and the events that followed "have destroyed these hopes", he said, and with that, "any prerequisites for easing sanctions against Belarus".

Russian Putin Congratulates Belarus's President Lukashenko On Re-election

Russian Putin Congratulates Belarus's President Lukashenko On Re-election

AFP: Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday congratulated his counterpart in Belarus on his re-election after a disputed vote that led to a police crackdown on protesters. The Kremlin said Putin had sent Alexander Lukashenko a congratulatory telegram expressing hope for "the further development of mutually beneficial Russian-Belarusian relations in all areas".

bur-mm/am/bp
AFP: Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday congratulated his counterpart in Belarus on his re-election after a disputed vote that led to a police crackdown on protesters. The Kremlin said Putin had sent Alexander Lukashenko a congratulatory telegram expressing hope for "the further development of mutually beneficial Russian-Belarusian relations in all areas".

bur-mm/am/bp

WHO halts hydroxychloroquine, HIV drugs in COVID trials

WHO halts hydroxychloroquine, HIV drugs in COVID trials

Coronavirus cases keep rising in Eurasia 
WHO reports record daily increase in global coronavirus cases


The WHO said that it was discontinuing its trials of the malaria drug hydroxychloroquine and combination HIV drug lopinavir/ritonavir in hospitalised patients with COVID-19 after they failed to reduce mortality.

"These interim trial results show that hydroxychloroquine and lopinavir/ritonavir produce little or no reduction in the mortality of hospitalised COVID-19 patients when compared to standard of care. Solidarity trial investigators will interrupt the trials with immediate effect," the WHO said in a statement, referring to large multi-country trials that the agency is leading.

The UN agency said that the decision, taken on the recommendation of the trial's international steering committee, does not affect other studies where the drugs are used for non-hospitalised patients or as a prophylaxis.


In Azerbaijan, health officials reported that the total number of cases to date rose to 19,801 with 534 new additions in the past 24 hours.

The tally of recoveries neared 11,300 and the death toll climbed to 241.

Health authorities in Belarus announced that they observed 273 new coronavirus cases, bringing the total to over 63,000. While more than 50,000 people have recovered in the country, fatalities totalled 418.

As for Moldova, officials stated that official cases topped 17,650 with 227 new additions in the last 24 hours. 

The death toll stands at 580 in the country, where more than 2,500 health personnel have contracted the virus.

The WHO has reported a record increase in global coronavirus cases, with the total rising by 212,326 in 24 hours.

The biggest increases were from the United States, Brazil and India. The previous WHO record for new cases was 189,077 on June 28.

Deaths remained steady at about 5,000 a day.

Coronavirus cases keep rising in Eurasia 
WHO reports record daily increase in global coronavirus cases


The WHO said that it was discontinuing its trials of the malaria drug hydroxychloroquine and combination HIV drug lopinavir/ritonavir in hospitalised patients with COVID-19 after they failed to reduce mortality.

"These interim trial results show that hydroxychloroquine and lopinavir/ritonavir produce little or no reduction in the mortality of hospitalised COVID-19 patients when compared to standard of care. Solidarity trial investigators will interrupt the trials with immediate effect," the WHO said in a statement, referring to large multi-country trials that the agency is leading.

The UN agency said that the decision, taken on the recommendation of the trial's international steering committee, does not affect other studies where the drugs are used for non-hospitalised patients or as a prophylaxis.


In Azerbaijan, health officials reported that the total number of cases to date rose to 19,801 with 534 new additions in the past 24 hours.

The tally of recoveries neared 11,300 and the death toll climbed to 241.

Health authorities in Belarus announced that they observed 273 new coronavirus cases, bringing the total to over 63,000. While more than 50,000 people have recovered in the country, fatalities totalled 418.

As for Moldova, officials stated that official cases topped 17,650 with 227 new additions in the last 24 hours. 

The death toll stands at 580 in the country, where more than 2,500 health personnel have contracted the virus.

The WHO has reported a record increase in global coronavirus cases, with the total rising by 212,326 in 24 hours.

The biggest increases were from the United States, Brazil and India. The previous WHO record for new cases was 189,077 on June 28.

Deaths remained steady at about 5,000 a day.

Report - Syria may purchase Belarusian missile system

Report - Syria may purchase Belarusian missile system

The Syrian military may purchase a Belarusian missile system to replace their current Russian Grad rockets, Avia.Pro reported on Wednesday.
According to the publication, the Syrian military may acquire the Belarusian Flute system, which they claim will be an upgrade from their current Grads. “Syrian military experts are actively discussing the possibility of acquiring a large batch of Belarusian Flute multiple launch rocket systems, intending to replace the Russian Grad multiple-launch rocket systems with them,” Avia.Pro said.

“According to a number of sources, in comparison with Grad, Belarusian Flutes have a much larger range and they are capable of simultaneously firing up to 80 rockets,” they continued.

The publication said that the Belarusian Flute system will allow the Syrian military to fire 80 missiles per minute at any target, while covering a large area.

“Belarusian MLRS can launch 80 missiles at a target in a minute, covering a huge area. To combat jihadists, this weapon is simply indispensable – in comparison with them, the Grad seems to be a joke, ”the publication says.

The Syrian Army has been operating the Grad missile system for several years now; however, they have also developed their own MLRS launcher, which they have dubbed the ‘Golan’.
The Syrian military may purchase a Belarusian missile system to replace their current Russian Grad rockets, Avia.Pro reported on Wednesday.
According to the publication, the Syrian military may acquire the Belarusian Flute system, which they claim will be an upgrade from their current Grads. “Syrian military experts are actively discussing the possibility of acquiring a large batch of Belarusian Flute multiple launch rocket systems, intending to replace the Russian Grad multiple-launch rocket systems with them,” Avia.Pro said.

“According to a number of sources, in comparison with Grad, Belarusian Flutes have a much larger range and they are capable of simultaneously firing up to 80 rockets,” they continued.

The publication said that the Belarusian Flute system will allow the Syrian military to fire 80 missiles per minute at any target, while covering a large area.

“Belarusian MLRS can launch 80 missiles at a target in a minute, covering a huge area. To combat jihadists, this weapon is simply indispensable – in comparison with them, the Grad seems to be a joke, ”the publication says.

The Syrian Army has been operating the Grad missile system for several years now; however, they have also developed their own MLRS launcher, which they have dubbed the ‘Golan’.

COVID-19: Virus cases in Belarus near 3,000

COVID-19: Virus cases in Belarus near 3,000

The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Belarus has grown from 2,578 to 2,919, with 29 fatalities reported in the republic, the Belarusian Health Ministry announced on Monday.

According to TASS report, "a total of 2,919 people with the coronavirus infection have been registered and that most patients have mild to moderate disease symptoms. 

According to the health ministry, Fifty-five patients need the support of lung ventilators." Adding that "a total of 203 people have been released from hospitals after their recovery while 29 patients have died," the ministry said.

As of April 13, almost 68,000 tests for the coronavirus infection have been conducted in Belarus. Seventeen laboratories have been involved in the effort.

Belarusian Health Minister Vladimir Karanik earlier said that 301 medics had been infected with the coronavirus infection in the republic as of April 11. Belarus has not imposed any quarantine. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommended Belarus to take additional measures for physical distancing by banning mass events.
The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Belarus has grown from 2,578 to 2,919, with 29 fatalities reported in the republic, the Belarusian Health Ministry announced on Monday.

According to TASS report, "a total of 2,919 people with the coronavirus infection have been registered and that most patients have mild to moderate disease symptoms. 

According to the health ministry, Fifty-five patients need the support of lung ventilators." Adding that "a total of 203 people have been released from hospitals after their recovery while 29 patients have died," the ministry said.

As of April 13, almost 68,000 tests for the coronavirus infection have been conducted in Belarus. Seventeen laboratories have been involved in the effort.

Belarusian Health Minister Vladimir Karanik earlier said that 301 medics had been infected with the coronavirus infection in the republic as of April 11. Belarus has not imposed any quarantine. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommended Belarus to take additional measures for physical distancing by banning mass events.

Poster Speaks

Poster Speaks/box

Trending

randomposts