NUCLEAR POWER IN BELARUS AND WORLDWIDE
MINSK, 23 January (BelTA) - My support for Belarus' political course remains steadfast, João Pimenta Lopes, Member of the European Parliament, representing Portugal, said during an online meeting with member of the House of Representatives Sergei Klishevich on 20 January, BelTA reports.
"The pressure on Belarus did not start today. We had discussions within our group on the political situation in Belarus. Many accuse the West of destabilizing the situation and of interfering in the internal affairs of countries. People hold such a position not only in respect of Belarus, but also on the intervention of the West and NATO in conflicts in other parts of the globe. The same can be said of the situation in many African countries. This is our reality," said João Pimenta Lopes.
On the eve João Pimenta Lopes voted against a biased resolution against Russia and Belarus in the European Parliament.
Agreements to hold joint consultations and exchange views on political issues were reached in September 2022 as part of Sergei Klishevich's participation in the Avante festival at the invitation of the Communist Party of Portugal. Then, during the meeting, João Pimenta Lopes publicly expressed support for the political course of Belarus, and also condemned the sanctions of the collective West on Belarus.
"We are often attacked. There is pressure on our party inside the country. The party is under pressure from the state for its principled position on what is happening in respect to Belarus and Russia. No one is more protective of peace in Portugal than the Communist Party. It stands for relations of cooperation, equality, friendship with Belarus and Russia, based on respect for the principles of international law. There were some provocations against us, our position in the European Parliament. But we will not abandon our convictions, we will continue to defend the positions of our party both in Portugal and in Europe," the MEP added.
As the participation in the work of the parliamentary assemblies of the OSCE and the Council of Europe has been made difficult for the members of the House of Representatives, they are actively working to establish contacts with foreign representatives of alternative political forces, opinion leaders who share the positions that Belarus promotes in the international arena.
Earlier, similar meetings were held with MPs of Spain and Italy. On 5 January, on the initiative of the member of the House of Representatives Igor Zavaley, famous Italian composer Paolo Carlome gave a concert in Minsk. Contrary to the position of Western politicians, citizens of many European countries continue to visit Belarus, thereby demonstrating a friendly attitude towards the Belarusian people and readiness to convey the truth about Belarus to citizens of their country.
