Deputies voted for suspension of readmission agreement between the EU and Belarus

The House of Representatives’ deputies adopted the draft law On Suspension of the Agreement between the Republic of Belarus and the European Union on Readmission of Persons Staying without Permission, in the first reading

The document was prepared as a response to the unfriendly actions taken by the European Union and its member states against our country. It envisages Belarus’ release from its obligations to fulfil the Agreement between the Republic of Belarus and the European Union on Readmission of Persons Staying without Permission during the period of its suspension.

“At the same time, the suspension of the agreement does not prevent the Republic of Belarus from simultaneous negotiations with certain member states in case of mutual interest on concluding bilateral treaties or reaching agreements on readmission of persons,” Andrei Savinykh, the Chairman of the Standing Commission on International Affairs of the House of Representatives, said.

He also informed that the commission had visited the Belarusian-Polish border and its outposts. “We have studied all the issues – not only legal, but political and humanitarian – to conclude that we cannot fulfil these agreements under the conditions imposed on us by the European Union: under the conditions of sanctions and restrictions imposed by our counter-partners against the Republic of Belarus. It is important to note that the EU does not agree to consultations and, in fact, violates all the agreements that were in the package with this agreement,” Mr. Savinykh added.

As for the consequences of such a decision for the Republic, the deputy noted, “We have carefully looked at all aspects of this decision and came to the conclusion that there will be no negative consequences for the Belarusian side, including consequences for budget revenues and expenditures.”