EU diplomacy extraordinary Council on Belarus

EU foreign ministers will convene via teleconference on Friday, August 14, to discuss the situation in Belarus following the announced re-election of Alexander Lukashenko with 80% of ballots, and immediatley following accusations of fraud. I will call an extraordinary Foreign Affairs Council meeting this Friday afternoon. We will discuss urgent issues and address the situation…

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Tikhanovskaya in exile in Lithuania

Belarusian opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya,37, has taken a “very difficult decision” to leave the country, after disputing an election she claimed was rigged. Svetlana #Tikhanovskaya is safe. She is in #Lithuania. pic.twitter.com/6f9U2meoX0 — Linas Linkevicius (@LinkeviciusL) August 11, 2020 Ms Tikhanovskaya said she did it for her children as protests continued for a second night….

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Borrell condemns violence in Belarus

The Presidential elections took place in the Republic of Belarus on 9 August. The European Union had repeatedly expressed its expectations on the proper conduct of these elections. Disproportionate & unacceptable state violence against peaceful protesters in #Belarus must stop immediately & fundamental rights be respected.Essential that #BelarusPresidentialElection votes are counted accurately and results reflect…

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Belarus: Lukashenko announced 80% eleciton winner

Protesters and riot police have clashed Minsk and other cities of Belarus, after a state TV exit poll said long-time leader (26 years) Alexander Lukashenko was re-elected in Sunday’s election. #BREAKING | Belarusian President Lukashenko leading with 80.23% of votes, election commission says https://t.co/Qnz3HXiabF#SputnikBreaking pic.twitter.com/1XosREyB9Y — Sputnik (@SputnikInt) August 10, 2020 In Minsk, the police…

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Beirut: Rhosus capitan complained to Putin in vain

Rhosus entered the port of Beirut on November 21, 2013 and never left it again, the former capitan of the vessel Boris Prokoshev said in an interview to Russian media “Siberia. Realia”, reminiscent of his hostage experience, while administration of the port banned him and a part of his crew to leave Lebanon, until the…

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Beirut: Michel calls for independent enquiry

Charles Michel, President of the European Council, travelled to Beirut on 8 August 2020 to convey EU solidarity with the people in Lebanon after the devastating explosions on 4 August. #Lebanon can count on solidarity from the EU. Not just in words but also in concrete action for the Lebanese people. pic.twitter.com/gInt9lefvX — Charles Michel…

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Lukashenko in whirlwind of political crisis

Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko is Europe’s longest-serving ruler and the 65-year-old former Soviet collective farm chairman now wants a sixth term as president. But in the run-up to the 9 August presidential election he has faced the biggest opposition protests for a decade. “An authoritarian style of rule is characteristic of me, and I have…

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EU vacation with compagnon animal

An EU national can freely travel with his cat, dog or ferret if it has a European pet passport. This passport is available from any authorised veterinarian and must contain details of a valid anti-rabies vaccination. Remember, you can take your purrfect friend with you on holidays. Get them the EU pet passport and enjoy…

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UK foreign affairs cat Palmerston retires

Palmerston, the Foreign Office’s famous cat, has retired from mousing duties to “spend more time relaxing away from the limelight”. ❗️Important news❗️ pic.twitter.com/PTEun74QYA — Palmerston (@DiploMog) August 7, 2020 In a “letter” dedicated to explantation of his decision at length, he sadi he has moved away from Whitehall and is now climbing trees rather than…

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