Author of OSCE resolution: This is provocation of Belarusian authorities

The working session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe continues in Monaco. A critical draft resolution on Belarus proposed by British MP Tony Lloyd is on the agenda.

It calls upon the Belarusian authorities to stop repressions and release political prisoners. The document also requests that the International Ice Hockey Federation should move the Ice Hockey World Cup-2014 to another country if this does not happen.

The Belarusian delegation called the draft resolution tendentious and provocative. Member of the House of Representatives Viktar Huminski, who contributed another resolution on the development of the alternative power to the discussion of the Parliamentary Assembly, presented the official position at the debates.

Victar Huminski: "This resolution is not acceptable to us either in its original form or with amendments. They destroy the preconditions for a constructive respectful dialogue."

Tony Lloyd denies the accusations of the Belarusian delegation.

Tony Lloyd: "If it is a provocation, then it’s a provocation made by Lukashenka and the Belarusian authorities. And it is directed against the Belarusian people. Their actions insult what Belarus could become, insult Belarus, which should give people hope for the future, that it will be a democratic, stable and progressive country."

The British MP has explained why the said transfer of the World Cup from Belarus is appropriate.

Tony Lloyd: "This is a signal not for ordinary Belarusians – they are welcome in Europe. However, the Belarusian authorities will think of the World Cup as a reward to Lukashenka and his political regime. Holding the World Cup would have sent a wrong signal to the people that we do not care that there are repressions in the country."

Victar Huminsky changed the subject of controversy and blamed the British Consulate for their visa policy:

"I want to reply to dear Mr Tony Lloyd, that the UK had not issued visas to our athletes at the Olympic Games until the last minute."

Let us remind you, more than 60 members from 21 countries of the OSCE are co-authors of the resolution. The voting of the 55 deputies of the countries in Europe and North America is expected to take place on July 8. Previously, similar resolutions were adopted by the European Parliament and the U.S. Congress.