Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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The recent conflict on the Polish-Belarusian border has raised concerns about human rights and security in the region.
What diplomatic steps is the Government taking to address the recent situation at the Polish-Belarusian border?
The Foreign Secretary will be discussing Belarus with NATO partners today. The UK is deeply concerned about the human rights situation in Belarus and has imposed over 100 sanctions designations. The Prime Minister emphasised our commitment to Poland's security when he met the Polish Prime Minister last Friday.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific steps being taken at the border are not detailed
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Q2
Partial Answer
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Over 30,000 people have been detained since the 2020 presidential elections in Belarus with many facing torture and ill-treatment. Mikita Zalatarou is one of those arrested.
What specific actions can be taken to support political prisoners such as Mikita Zalatarou who was arrested at age 16, allegedly tortured and kept in solitary confinement?
We are appalled by reports that there are now over 850 political prisoners in Belarus, and we strongly urge their unconditional release. We support mechanisms through the UN, OSCE and NGOs to investigate human rights violations and hold those responsible accountable.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific actions for Mikita Zalatarou are not detailed
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Q3
Direct Answer
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Lukashenko is using refugees as a weapon in hybrid warfare against Poland at the Polish-Belarusian border.
Will the Government ensure that we are doing everything possible to assist our Polish allies against this egregious conduct by the Belarus authorities?
The UK is standing side by side with Poland, a NATO ally. A small team of UK armed forces have been deployed for engineering support upon agreement with Poland. The UK also led a G7 statement condemning Belarus's orchestration of irregular migration.
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Q4
Partial Answer
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Past sanctions regimes have been eroded with little return, leaving Lukashenko's stranglehold intact.
Will the Government work with EU and world community to maintain sanctions until they are genuinely effective in changing the regime?
We have imposed over 100 sanctions designations, including on Lukashenko himself. We are committed to supporting Belarusians and imposing costs on the regime for its disregard of international commitments. Sanctions are under review with partners.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific details on effectiveness and maintenance criteria are not provided
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Q5
Partial Answer
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Lukashenko has stated Belarus will not remain neutral if there is a furthering of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
What assessment has been made regarding Lukashenko's statement on potential involvement in any future Russian-Ukrainian conflict?
Russia is uniquely placed to exert pressure on Belarus to end repression. We want a reformed Belarus with good relations but insist that violence, harassment and arbitrary detention must stop.
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Implications for neutrality stance are not detailed
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Q6
Direct Answer
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Belarus is weaponising vulnerable refugees seeking to escape conflict in the Middle East.
What actions are being taken to raise and express international concern about this gross abuse?
We support humanitarian partners at the border, including through contributions to the disaster relief emergency fund by IFRC. We also led a G7 statement calling for immediate unhindered access so that humanitarian aid can be delivered.
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