The appraisal of the situation in Russia and Belarus, and the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh were the subjects of the meeting of Polish MFA Undersecretary of State Marcin Przydacz and British Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for European Neighbourhood and the Americas Wendy Morton.

The interlocutors confirmed that they share opinions on the developments in Belarus following the rigged presidential elections of 9 August. They condemned repressions used by the Belarusian authorities against the participants of peaceful protests and underlined the will and determination of the Belarusian society to bring about new and just presidential elections.

Both politicians agreed that sanctions against those responsible for vote rigging and repressions are an important but not the only one means that the West can use towards Belarus. The key pillars of our stance should be both short-term and long-term assistance to the Belarusian society, independent media and NGOs, as well as systemic economic aid for the country following a democratic transformation.  

The ministers also discussed the situation in Russia and concluded with one accord that recent events have proved that human rights and supporting civil society should be given priority in all contacts with Russian authorities. The deteriorating situation in this respect cannot be left without appropriate response. Referring to Nord Stream II, Minister Marcin Przydacz reiterated Poland’s criticism towards the project. Assessing by what we have lately witnessed, Russia cannot be taken as a reliable, trusted partner, neither in the economic aspect. 

Last but not least, it was noted that the international community’s efforts to date, including the EU’s, have so far failed to de-escalate the clashes in Nagorno-Karabakh, which results in a rising number of casualties, also among innocent civilians. The ministers stressed the impact of humanitarian aid offered by the European Commission for civilians on both sides of the conflict. Both politicians backed mediation efforts on the part of Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group and of Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office.

The interlocutors highlighted the significance of the Polish-British strategic partnership which is strengthened by bilateral cooperation formats, including the Polish-British intergovernmental consultations.
 

MFA Press Office