OSCE Leadership Plans Visit to Belarus for Talks with Government and Opposition

The current OSCE Chairperson, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, along with the next chair, Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde, have reached out to the Belarusian authorities with a request to organize a visit, as reported by Sputnik Belarus, citing the OSCE press service.

The organization stated that it is closely monitoring the situation in the country and believes that a sincere and constructive dialogue is necessary to resolve the current predicament.

In this context, Edi Rama and Ann Linde have formally proposed to the Belarusian authorities to visit the country to meet with representatives of the government and opposition, as outlined in the press release.

Furthermore, the OSCE has emphasized the urgent need for full adherence to its principles and commitments, including the support and protection of fundamental human freedoms and rights, as well as respect for Belarusian sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Rama also expressed concern regarding the conditions under which elections are held, as the OSCE’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights has not been granted the opportunity to observe them, and regarding the use of force against peaceful protesters, mass arrests, and the brutal conduct of law enforcement agencies.