European Parliament Condemns Hungarian Foreign Minister’s Belarus Talks

European Parliament Condemns Hungarian Foreign Minister’s Belarus Talks

Parliament’s Stand Against Lukashenko Regime

The European Parliament recently passed a resolution condemning the actions of Hungarian Foreign Minister, Péter Szijjártó. The minister received criticism for contravening the EU’s policy by engaging in talks in Belarus. The resolution details various atrocities committed by the Lukashenko regime, with representatives strongly condemning the systemic and widespread violation of human rights.

These violations include numerous cases of mistreatment and torture, as well as the complete isolation and inadequate medical care of political prisoners and other individuals persecuted on political grounds. The resolution also criticises the pressure exerted on individuals under investigation by deliberately arresting and sentencing their relatives and revoking their lawyers’ licenses.

EU’s Solidarity with the People of Belarus

In the resolution, the European Parliament reiterated its solidarity with the brave people of Belarus and members of civil society organisations who risk their freedom and lives for a sovereign, free, and democratic Belarus.

Regret Over Hungarian Foreign Minister’s Visit

The resolution also expresses regret over the Hungarian foreign and trade minister’s official visit to Minsk in February 2023, which contradicts EU policy related to Belarus, Russia, and the aggressive war against Ukraine.

EU Commissioner Condemns Belarusian Regime

During the debate on Belarus, EU Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement, Olivér Várhelyi, condemned the oppressive Belarusian regime. He highlighted the human rights abuses suffered by the residents under the regime, with 1500 political prisoners languishing in prisons under torturous and inhumane conditions. Lukashenko’s regime also undermines international security by artificially inciting waves of migration, attempting to destabilise the EU.

Belarusian Opposition Leader Shares Personal Experience

Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, the exiled leader of the Belarusian opposition, also addressed the European Parliament. She recounted the stories of the victims of oppression in Belarus, including her own. Her husband, Sergei, was sentenced to 19 years in prison, and she has not received any news about him for six months.

Resolution Adopted with Majority Votes

The resolution was adopted with the vote of 453 representatives, with only 21 voting against it. Among those who voted against were six of the twelve present members of the Hungarian party Fidesz: Andrea Bocskor, Andor Deli, Enikő Győri, Balázs Hidvéghi, Ernő Schaller-Baross, and Edina Tóth.