On 8 November 2020, the Belarusian authorities declared two British diplomats personae non gratae (PNGs) and expelled them from Belarus.

The reasoning given by the Belarusian authorities for expelling the diplomats is absolutely unjustified and relates to the standard work that a foreign diplomat is not only entitled but even obliged to do. As diplomats, we must be able to do our jobs. We will not allow any further intimidation of our colleagues as they carry out normal diplomatic tasks.

The expulsion of the two British diplomats is another unfortunate and unacceptable step by the Belarusian authorities. It follows last month’s “request” that Poland and Lithuania recall their ambassadors  and limit drastically their diplomatic presence in Belarus. These actions further isolate the Belarusian authorities and do not contribute to keeping the channels of communication open.

For the last couple of months, Minsk-based EU Heads of Missions – joined by our British colleagues – have stood in solidarity with the people of Belarus who demand the respect for fundamental democratic rights through free and fair elections at a turning point in the country’s history.

We also stood in solidarity with our Lithuanian and Polish colleagues, and we now do so with our British colleagues. The power of our solidarity is not limited.

We continue to uphold, protect and promote fundamental values and freedoms in Belarus.