"We can no longer accept that the authoritarian regime of Belarus still takes advantage of being part of the Eastern Partnership which is designed to promote the Eastern neighbours of the European Union, while it still acts as a brutal dictatorship. The response of the Belarussian authorities to the demonstrations in the centre of Minsk on Election Day is unacceptable and must be followed by a proper response from the European Union. Under these circumstances, there is no room for Belarus in the Eastern Partnership", said Gunnar Hökmark MEP, the Vice-Chairman of the EPP Group responsible for the Enlargement and Eastern Neighbourhood Policy.

"Therefore it is now time to convene the Parliamentary Assembly for the Eastern Partnership but without Belarussian participation. We shall do our utmost to help our partners who strive for democracy and the rule of law and to bring them closer to the European Union", Gunnar Hökmark MEP said.

For further information:
Gunnar HÖKMARK MEP, Tel: +32-2-2845822
Per Heister, EPP Group Press & Communications Service, Tel: +32-496-645530
Marek Hannibal, EPP Group Press & Communications Service, Tel: +32-475-753048

Notes to Editors:
The EPP Group is by far the largest political group in the European Parliament with 265 Members.