Eastern Partnership To Start With a Human Rights Reminder

Schwarzenberg, outgoing Czech foreign minister, spoke at the start of an international conference on eastern partnership that embraces Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine.

The countries' representatives will meet at the initial summit in Prague on Thursday.

The project is to ensure a greater political and economic cooperation between the countries and the EU.

The outlook of EU membership is, however, unclear, experts say.

Relations with eastern neighbours are among the top priorities of the current Czech EU presidency.

Today's conference of NGOs focuses on the situation in the partnership countries. Schwarzenberg said the NGOs have a great role in reforming society.

Media discussed whether the criticised autocratic Belarussian President Alexander Lukashenko will arrive in Prague too.

Czech President Vaclav Klaus did not conceal it that he is not welcome in Prague and the Foreign Ministry did not invite Lukashenko personally.

Minsk eventually decided to send to Prague First Deputy Prime Minister Vladimir Semashko and Foreign Minister Sergey Martynov.

Author: ČTK - Copyright
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