(RFE/RL)
PRAGUE, May 17, 2006 (RFE/RL) -- A regional meeting of the world police body Interpol has opened in Minsk, with European Union countries boycotting the event.
Only 12 out of the 46 countries in the region are taking part in the
conference, following EU criticism of Belarus's disputed March 19 presidential
election and restrictions on the opposition, including the arrests of hundreds of demonstrators in the week after the election.
Interpol
Secretary-General Ronald Noble said the boycott would affect
discussions on issues such as human trafficking, drugs, and organized
crime.
conference, following EU criticism of Belarus's disputed March 19 presidential
election and restrictions on the opposition, including the arrests of hundreds of demonstrators in the week after the election.
Interpol
Secretary-General Ronald Noble said the boycott would affect
discussions on issues such as human trafficking, drugs, and organized
crime.