MINSK, 10 November (BelTA) – What is happening at the Belarusian-Polish border is inhumane, Chair of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of Belarus Natalya Kochanova said at a round-table session to discuss the situation at the Belarusian-Polish border, BelTA has learned.
“You know that in the past few days a huge number of people from the Middle East amassed at the Belarusian-Polish border in a bid to get to the European Union. I guess, their determination to get there is quite legitimate, because they had been invited and promised a better life there. And people go there leaving their homeland where it is impossible to raise children, find a good job,” Natalya Kochanova said.
The speaker recalled that several years ago Belarus passed a law to lift entry restrictions for citizens of 80 states. “Being a hospitable nation, we are always glad to welcome people from other countries. What is happening today at the Belarusian-Polish border is a matter of serious concern. The attempts of the Polish authorities to put the blame on Belarus for it are cynical and simply outrageous. It defies any logic. And we, women, see these people camping out in the open. These are children, pregnant women, the elderly. I think every sane person empathizes with these people today,” she said.
The head of the Council of the Republic emphasized that Belarus knows firsthand what war, hunger and devastation are. “Our older generations went through all this and this experience is part of our national identity. This is happening in the 21st century, at our doorstep. I am sure that women of Belarus will raise their voice against such treatment of people. This is inhumane and inhuman. This is a violation of all norms, international rules that are in force in civilized countries. I repeat once again that we must put a barrier to this outpouring of lies about our country, the leadership of Belarus,” Natalya Kochanova said.
A meeting of the Presidium was held in the Council of the Republic on 9 November. Members of the Council of the Republic appealed to the international community, expressed their indignation at the actions of European countries in relation to migrants. “In addition, we appealed to MEPs. Our colleagues went to the border, met with refugees and brought seven tonnes of humanitarian aid together with the Red Cross. We, women of Belarus, will adopt a statement addressing the international community. We should raise our voice against such things and put an end to the lies about our country. We are doing everything to ensure that our country lives in peace and calm. We are ready for constructive cooperation with various countries. And we must convey the truth to the international community about the situation at the Belarusian-Polish border,” the speaker added.
