Ashton to Martynau: European Union prepares counter measures

The European Union is preparing counter measures against the Belarusian authorities in connection with "mass arrests and harassment of the civil society's representatives in the post-electoral period". 

The High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the European Union Catherine Ashton has said this today during the meeting with the Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs Siarhej Martynau in Brussels. 

"The High Representative has reminded the Minister Martynau that the European Union is considering counter measures in response to the post-electoral events in order to approve the said measures at the Council for Foreign Affairs on January 31, 2011", — stated in the message of Catherine Ashton's press-center.

Ashton called on "immediate identification of persons detained for political reasons, and immediate ceasing of harassment of the opposition, the democratic forces and the representatives of the civil society".