Press release
03 August 2012
Ministry for Foreign Affairs
Sweden expels Belarus diplomats
Statement by Carl Bildt:
The Lukashenko regimes expulsion of Swedens Ambassador to Belarus is a serious breach of the norms for relations between states.
The accusations directed at the Ambassador by the regime are without foundation. That Sweden is broadly committed to democracy and human rights in Belarus is no secret, and Ambassador Eriksson has represented this Swedish policy in a creditable and important way.
We have informed other EU countries about this matter. I also spoke to Catherine Ashton about the situation earlier in the day.
Ambassador Eriksson will continue his work with an even clearer focus on the work for democracy and human rights in Belarus.
We will also, in consultation with other EU countries, examine ways to further strengthen these efforts.
The Embassy of Belarus in Stockholm will be informed during the day that the proposed new Belarus Ambassador is not welcome here and that the residence permits in Sweden of two of its representatives will be withdrawn.
Contact
Anders JörleHead of the Press Service
+46 8 405 57 27
+46 70 888 36 24
email to Anders Jörle
