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Polish parties jointly appeal for release of political prisoners in Belarus

26.08.2020 19:00
Poland’s prime minister said on Wednesday that his country’s ruling conservatives and opposition parties were jointly appealing for the release of political prisoners in Belarus.
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  • Polish parties jointly appeal for release of political prisoners in Belarus
Polish PM Mateusz Morawiecki.
Polish PM Mateusz Morawiecki. Photo: PAP/Paweł Supernak

Speaking after a special meeting with opposition groupings to discuss the crisis in Poland’s eastern neighbour, Mateusz Morawiecki said: "Together, we all appeal for the release of political prisoners.”

He added: "It is unacceptable for people who are in favour of freedom, democracy and the sovereignty of Belarus to be locked up in jails by Alexander Lukashenko.”

Belarusian officials on Tuesday detained two members of an opposition coordination council which was set up by opponents of strongman leader Alexander Lukashenko after a disputed Aug. 9 presidential election that has sparked nationwide protests in that country.

Morawiecki voiced his satisfaction that his ruling party and the Polish opposition, which are usually bitterly at loggerheads, had managed to reach a consensus on the issue of Belarus.

He also said he hoped that Belarusians would shortly achieve "an appropriate compromise."

Peace in Belarus “is an absolute prerequisite for Poland's security and normal development," he added.

Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has told public broadcaster Polish Radio that attempts by the authorities in her country to intimidate citizens no longer work.

Morawiecki promised earlier this month that his country would seek to support its neighbour Belarus by opening its borders and labour market while providing financial support to civil society after a violent crackdown on post-election protests.

(pk)

Source: PAP

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