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Belarus is open for dialogue on moratorium on death penalty : MFA

Xinhua, December 14, 2016 Adjust font size:

Belarus is open for a dialogue on a moratorium on the death penalty, Belarusian Deputy Foreign Minister Yevgeny Shestakov said at a conference here on Tuesday.

The official said the decision on a moratorium on the death penalty should only be taken when all the necessary preconditions are created.

" All negative consequences should be safely ruled out, the threat of a split of the public or breach of public accord averted," Shestakov said.

He stressed that Belarus has heard regular calls for the moratorium, and treat them with respect, but do not always understand "too sharp or ultimate tone of some statements".

He said that Belarus takes interest in the experience and approaches of other countries to the issue, expertise accumulated by international organizations. "We are always open to dialogue and exchange of opinions with foreign partners," he said.

Belarus is the only country in Europe and the CIS still applying the death penalty, which, in line with the constitution, shall be applied as an exceptional punishing measure for serious crimes. Since the beginning of this year, four convicts have been executed in Belarus. Endit