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Belarus elections ‘a total sham,’ EU commission spokesperson says
The European Commission’s spokesperson for foreign affairs, Anitta M. Hipper, recently addressed concerns regarding the upcoming elections in Belarus during a press briefing.
Hipper characterized the electoral process as completely undemocratic, expressing that it cannot be deemed a legitimate election if the outcome is already predetermined.
In her remarks, she emphasized the EU’s commitment to assist the Belarusian populace while simultaneously exerting pressure on the ruling regime. She highlighted the recent sanctions adopted in December, which target individuals accountable for human rights abuses.
Additionally, Hipper reaffirmed the EU’s stance on political prisoners, advocating for the release of those under unjust detention. She noted that the EU has allocated a package of €30 million to bolster civil society in Belarus, bringing total support since 2020 to €170 million.
Earlier this week, European lawmakers called for the EU and the international community to reject any claim of legitimacy for Alexander Lukashenko following the elections, labeling the electoral proceedings as a sham that fails to meet even basic international democratic standards.
The resolution from the European Parliament condemned the grave human rights violations prevalent in Belarus, noting an escalation of such abuses leading up to the electoral event.
The statement called attention to systematic repression that includes arbitrary arrests, torture, and a blatant disregard for due process, further highlighting the dire state of affairs in Belarus.
Had Trump been president, ‘maybe’ there would have been no war, Putin says
In a recent comment, Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested that the ongoing conflict in Ukraine might have been avoided if Donald Trump had remained in office following the 2020 election.
Aligning with Trump’s earlier rhetoric, Putin stated in a televised interview:
I cannot but agree with him that if he had been president – if his victory hadn’t been stolen in 2020 – then maybe there would not have been the crisis in Ukraine that emerged in 2022.
Trump reiterated similar sentiments on social media, insisting that the war would not have commenced under his leadership and advocating for a swift resolution to the current conflict.
The synchronization of Putin’s remarks with Trump’s narrative about the 2020 election potentially sets the stage for speculation about a future meeting between the two leaders.
In political developments, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas extended an invitation to new US Secretary of State Marco Rubio for discussions on EU-US relations, amidst an upcoming meeting of EU foreign ministers where the focus will also be on Ukraine.
As discussions unfold, the subject of Belarus will likely feature prominently on the agenda, especially in light of imminent electoral outcomes.
‘No practical actions’ from Ukraine or the West on peace talks, Russia’s Lavrov claims
Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov criticized the absence of concrete actions from Kyiv or Western nations towards initiating peace talks regarding Ukraine, despite indications from Trump about pursuing an end to hostilities.
Lavrov pointed to the continuing flow of military aid to Ukraine from the West and the legal prohibitions on negotiations as signs of a lack of readiness for dialogue on the part of Ukraine and its allies.
Media watchdog files complaint against Lukashenko
In the lead-up to the Belarus elections, the media watchdog Reporters Without Borders announced the filing of a complaint with the International Criminal Court against Alexander Lukashenko. The group alleges systematic targeting of journalists under his regime.
According to Jeanne Cavelier, head of Reporters Without Borders for Eastern Europe, the upcoming election is set to occur amidst a backdrop of suppressed independent media, further ensuring a predictable victory for Lukashenko against purported puppet candidates.
The organization’s report noted alarming trends, including numerous arbitrary arrests of media personnel in a country that has witnessed a sharp decline in press freedom over the past five years.
Additionally, Lithuania has sought to prompt the ICC to investigate Lukashenko for alleged human rights abuses.
EU foreign policy chief Kallas invites US secretary of state Rubio to Brussels
In Brussels, Kaja Kallas has formally invited Marco Rubio, the new US Secretary of State, to participate in EU meetings.
Kallas stated in her correspondence to foreign ministers that she issued an open invitation for Rubio’s earliest participation, though officials have yet to receive confirmation of his attendance.
Additionally, this gesture comes amid rising tensions as Trump has vocalized criticisms directed at the EU during various forums, emphasizing areas where he perceives imbalances.
Conversations between the US and EU are expected to cover significant topics such as Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus.
715,000 premises in Ireland without power after Storm Éowyn
In Iceland, Storm Éowyn has wreaked havoc, leaving over 715,000 homes and businesses without electricity.
Further disruptions included widespread cancellations of flights, particularly affecting Dublin with significant numbers of departures and arrivals impacted.
The storm has prompted ongoing updates regarding its impact on both Ireland and the UK.
Irish government appointments
In a round of political shifts, Micheál Martin has been confirmed as the new prime minister of Ireland.
Among the notable appointments, Simon Harris assumes the role of minister for foreign affairs, while Paschal Donohoe and Jennifer Carroll MacNeill take on finance and health, respectively.
However, the underrepresentation of women in senior ministerial roles has raised concerns, with critics highlighting the need for a more balanced representation in government.
As the new cabinet settles in, questions regarding gender equality and representation persist, following a troubling trend in female parliamentary representation in recent elections.
Belarus vote has ‘nothing in common’ with democratic elections, exiled opposition leader says
In remarks to Reuters, exiled opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya dismissed the legitimacy of the Belarus elections, asserting that they bear no resemblance to democratic practices.
She described the election as a mere ritual for a dictator to maintain power, criticizing Lukashenko’s strategy of releasing prisoners selectively before the elections.
Tsikhanouskaya emphasized that the fight against dictatorship extends beyond Belarus and called for renewed support from the international community.
Additionally, she highlighted concerns regarding the potential implications for Belarus amidst ongoing negotiations involving Ukraine.
As the region navigates such complexities, Lukashenko’s pardons and political maneuvers speak to broader dynamics that could influence Belarus’s future.
Lukashenko issues pardons on eve of election
In a pre-election gesture, Lukashenko announced the pardon of 15 prisoners, including individuals convicted of extremist activities.
Political analysts interpret this action as an attempt to curry favor with the West and mitigate international criticism amid escalating sanctions.
As Belarus prepares for the election, the implications of such pardons on the political landscape remain a subject of scrutiny.
Morning opening: Stay safe Ireland and focus on Belarus
Today, Ireland faces significant challenges due to Storm Éowyn, while heightened attention is directed towards the forthcoming elections in Belarus.
The situation is fluid, and developments in both regions are being closely monitored for their implications on both domestic and international fronts.
As events unfold, updates will provide insight into the evolving narratives shaping this geopolitical landscape.
Source
www.theguardian.com