Сейм Литвы. Фото: facebook.com/LRSeimas
The Seimas of Lithuania today ratified an agreement with the Council of Europe to establish an information center for the people of Belarus in Vilnius. The document was signed in November of last year.
The ratification was supported unanimously by the deputies of the Seimas.
“Belarus is not a member of the CoE, the CoE has no representation or contact office in Belarus, and previous cooperation was suspended due to the country’s participation in Russian aggression against Ukraine. However, the Committee of Ministers of the CoE, recognizing the Council of Europe’s role in promoting human rights, democracy, and respect for the rule of law in Europe, seeks to maintain and strengthen relations with Belarusian civil society and, for this purpose, create an information point in Vilnius,” the explanation for the ratification bill states.
The information center will provide details about the work and values of the CoE, as well as events in Lithuania supporting Belarusian civil society.
Preliminarily, the center’s premises are planned to be located in a library near the Seimas. The Council of Europe will cover the expenses associated with maintaining and operating the center.