Lithuanian MP Jonas Cekuolis, head of Lithuanian delegation...

Lithuanian MP Jonas Cekuolis, head of Lithuanian delegation to the Council of Europe's Parliamentary Assembly [PACE], said that the Vilnius forum decided to invite Belarusian delegations formed of both government and opposition representatives.
In Vilnius, the PACE political committee was deliberating on the situation in Belarus and possible co-operation with this post-Soviet state.
MP Cekuolis was cited as saying the Council of Europe would take action to broaden co-operation with Belarus. He mentioned previous recommendations for the Belarusian authorities to widen the powers of parliament, announce a moratorium on the death penalty, ensure independence of mass media by legislation and found the ombudsperson's office.
"The stirring up of Belarusian issue from stalemate during the presidency period of Lithuania in the Council of Europe would be a remarkable and significant step," Cekuolis said.