France, Strasburg, June 23 / Trend , A. Maharramli/
The PACE decided not to grant Belarus parliament the status of guest until the country cancels dearth sentence.
The decision came after amendments to the draft resolutions and recommendations.
The decision was adopted after Italian member of parliament Andrea Rigo made a report "Situation in Belarus".
The discussions on the report focused resuming political dialogue with Belarus given the important measures the country took recently despite the fact that it is far from complying with principles of democracy, rule of law and human rights. The speeches delivered stressed importance of continued positive changes and resuming political dialogue to support Belarus on a path to democracy. Resuming guest status is important not for Belarus regime, but for Belarus people.
The speakers also noted that the Council of Europe must "extend a hand" to save Belarus from close and "boring" relations with Russia and also save it from Russia influence.
The parliamentarians proposed not to resume guest status for Belarus until death sentence is canceled, free elections are ensured, electoral legislation is improved and freedom of assembly, media and expression is ensured. The major condition for Belarus is to legalize de-facto ban on death sentence.
The report was adopted with majority of votes and special guest status for Belarus was resumed. Unlike previous guest status, not only representatives of Belarus parliament, but also opposition representatives not represented in the parliament will be systematically invited to organization. It will help promote democratic forces and civil society.
Belarus was represented as special guest in PACE in 1992-1997.
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