Belarus: France does not recognize the results of the supposed referendum ballot (28 Feb. 2022)

France, like its European partners, did not recognize the results of the fraudulent presidential election of 9 August 2020 in Belarus. France does not recognize, either, the results of the supposed referendum ballot held from 22 to 27 February in that country.

The vote – held under conditions of violent repression and intimidation that Europe has not experienced for decades and at a time when Belarus has made its territory available for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine – provided none of the necessary conditions to guarantee the free and democratic expression of the Belarusian people’s choice, and represents a new step in Belarus’ vassalization.

France does not believe that the draft constitution proposed, drawn up with the utmost opacity and without consultation with the democratic opposition, reflects the legitimate aspirations expressed since the summer of 2020 by Belarusian citizens, who are legitimately demanding their country’s democratization and the recognition of their fundamental rights.

France is also especially concerned about the suppression of references to Belarus’ aim of neutrality and of its territory’s denuclearization. This reform creates a new source of instability and uncertainty for the European continent’s security, at the very moment when a major crisis is unfolding due to Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine, which has no valid justification and in which Belarus is now directly participating. Along with our NATO partners, we reserve the right to take the necessary measures to adapt to this new strategic situation.

We continue to stand resolutely by the Belarusian people, who have the right to choose Europe, democracy, freedom and peace.