Parliamentary questions
30 June 2011 E-006360/2011
Question for written answer
to the Commission
Rule 117
Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy (ALDE) and Marietje Schaake (ALDE)
Subject: Recent protests in Belarus and possible IMF loan to Belarus
Since the deepening of the economic crisis in Belarus, public protests in a number of cities in Belarus have been increasing. Public discontent about, for example, price rises seems to be fuelling a wider protest movement than we have seen before in Belarus. Hundreds of Belarusian citizens have taken to the streets in recent days and weeks and motorists have held protests as well. Although people are demanding that the economic situation be improved, they are hinting at the need for democratic changes as well. Silent protests are being organised through social media, which are closely monitored by the government. President Lukashenko has made no secret of the fact that he will act rigorously against any protest.
Belarus has recently announced that it will seek a USD 3.5‑8 billion bail-out from the International Monetary Fund to try to ease its financial crisis.
. Does the VP/HR intend to seek EU‑wide support for such a loan within the IMF?
2. If the EU would agree to a new IMF loan to Belarus, will it make such a loan subject to stringent conditions, including wide-scale economic and institutional reforms such as the separation of powers, an independent judiciary, press freedom and respect for human rights, and will the VP/HR push for clear commitments from the Lukashenko regime that basic political rights and fundamental freedoms for the entire population will be respected?
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