Catherine Ashton: We Wait for Further Steps
Catherine Ashton, the European Union's high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, has welcomed the release of Belarusian opposition activist Siarhiej Kavalienka. She also noted that Europe waits for Belarus' furhter steps.
At the same time, Ms. Ashton expressed regret that the 37-year-old Kavalienka had to apply to Aliaksandr Lukashenka for a presidential pardon, Maja Kocijancic, spokesperson for the EU foreign policy chief says.
Ms. Ashton calls on the Belarusian government to release all political prisoners and remove all restrictions on their freedom, Ms. Kocijancic said.
“On October 15, the EU Foreign Affairs Council will discuss the situation in Belarus,” she said. “The agenda of the discussion has not yet been finalized.”