The European Union has summoned the Belarusian ambassador to condemn the “inadmissible” forced diversion of a commercial airliner bound for Lithuania and detention of a critical journalist on Sunday.
“Ambassador (Aleksandr) Mikhnevich was informed of the firm condemnation by the EU institutions and EU Member States of the coercive act by which the Belarusian authorities have jeopardised the safety of passengers and crew,” an EU statement said.
Officials “conveyed the EU’s position that the outrageous action by Belarusian authorities constitute another blatant attempt to silence all opposition voices in the country and demanded the immediate release” of Roman Protasevich, the statement said.
Belgium’s foreign ministry said it had also summoned Mikhnevich — who serves as envoy to both the EU and Belgium — over the “unjustified and unacceptable acts”.
The moves come hours ahead of a summit of EU leaders in Brussels that will see them discuss sanctions in response to the forced landing of the Ryanair plane in Minsk on Sunday.
Credit: rfi.fr
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