Belarus’ Foreign Ministry invited about 30 observers from EU to referendum

Belarus’ Foreign Ministry has invited about thirty EU observers to the constitutional referendum – as informed by Foreign Minister Vladimir Makei in his talk with the Belarus 1 TV channel

"The Foreign Ministry has invited about 30 individuals representing the EU countries – those expressing their desire to observe the referendum. We are open in this regard and believe that those coming to Belarus as observers will be as objective in their assessments as possible. The same cannot be said about some other structures – for example, those operating under the OSCE auspices,” Mr. Makei said.

Belarus’ Foreign Minister also commented on how to react to attacks of some European partners who declare the non-recognition of the referendum in any case. "We need to calmly respond to such attacks. We are holding this referendum in the interests of our people and for the people – in accordance with our national legislation. The assessments given by our western partners are absolutely fabricated and politicised – so they should not be paid attention to. That is what we are doing," Mr. Makei said.

The Foreign Minister added, "With this in view, at some stage we decided not to invite observers from the OSCE/ODIHR – although there was such an initiative, and we discussed it."

"This structure has not expressed any particular interest in observing the referendum in Belarus. For God's sake! We will work with those who are willing to work with us," Mr. Makei concluded.