Verklaring Ashton na uitzetten Zweedse ambassadeur in Minsk (en)

The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the Commission issued the following statement today:

"I have with grave concern received the news from Minsk and Stockholm that the Belarusian authorities have decided to expel the Swedish ambassador Stefan Eriksson. This decision runs counter to norms of relations between states. The European Union and Sweden are committed to the modernisation of Belarus and to the spread of European values, in particular Democracy, Human Rights and the Rule of Law.

The issue will be reverted to in the Political and Security Committee in Brussels, including with regard to appropriate EU measures."