NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organization

21 Mar. 2006

Statement

by NATO Secretary General on elections in Belarus

On behalf of NATO, I condemn the way in which the elections in Belarus have been conducted. As international observers, including the OSCE, have testified, this electoral process did not meet democratic standards.

The people of Belarus have the right to choose their leadership through a true democratic process; that right was again denied to them in these elections.

I strongly urge the authorities in Belarus to take steps to respect Euro-Atlantic democratic standards, including those to which they have committed in the Partnership for Peace.