Council of Europe's secretary general names Belarus among top priorities

The meeting took place on January 27. The Belarusian delegation comprised Belarusian Helsinki Committee chairman Aleh Hulak, Assmbely of NGOs' chairman Siarhei Matskevich and NOVAK think tank and pollster director Andrei Vardamatski.

Andrei Vardamatski: "Mr Jagland noted that Belarus is today holding quite a central position on the list of Council of Europe's priorities. He mentioned this during a personal meeting and during the session of the Conference of International NGOs".

Actually, the representatives from Belarus were invited to attend this conference.

This body of the Council of Europe represents civil society from Council of Europe member nations. It comprises international non-governmental organizations with the status of participants. Currently, there are almost 400 such organizations. Although Belarus is the only country in Europe that is not a member of the Council of Europe, representative of Belarus are usually invited to attend the sessions of the conference. The sessions take place four times a year.

Andrei Vardamatski noted that Council of Europe's previous secretary general Terry Davis from the UK, did not use to hold meetings with representatives of the Belarusain civl society.

Andrei Vardamatski: "Terry Davis did not have such meetings before. This signals a certain change of priorities and an increased interested in Belarus. In general, one can talk about serious intentions of the Council of Europe in terms of relations with Belarus".

Actually, a round-table meeting on relations between the Council of Europe and Belarus and European values is planned to take place in Minsk on February 4-5. Belarus officials, NGOs and high-ranking politicians from the Council of Europe are expected to attend.

Andrei Vardamatski: "It is noteworthy that this is the first event of this kind on the territory of Belarus. it is a positive thing".