While receiving Belarusian opposition politicians in...

While receiving Belarusian opposition politicians in Strasbourg, Council of Europe Secretary-General Walter Schwimmer reaffirmed the need for the Belarusian authorities to meet the conditions set by international organizations. In particular, Schwimmer said, the Belarusian government is expected to declare a moratorium on the death penalty, provide all political forces with access to the state media, expand the powers of parliament, put an end to repressive measures against the opposition and independent media, investigate the high-profile disappearances and improve the country's electoral law prior to the 2003 local elections. Until the conditions are met, Belarus cannot regain its special guest status with the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, suspended since January 1997.