MINSK, 25 September (BelTA) – Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Czech Republic to Belarus Jiri Karas expressed hope that Belarus will become member of the European Union. He made this statement at a meeting with reporters in Minsk on 25 September. “I think that the day will come when Belarusians will not have to pay for visas to the European Union. I hope that Belarus will become the EU member. I hope so for at least one reason: I sincerely love Belarus,” the Ambassador said. According to him, in order to become EU member, the citizens of Belarus and Belarusian politicians have to demonstrate their will to join the European Union. This will be followed by the relevant legal procedures. Czechia went the same way. According to the Ambassador, Belarus should realize that the strength of small European countries is in their unity. The Czech diplomat pointed out the change in the political environment in Belarus. “We are looking forward to further steps,” he added. Belarus, just like the Czech Republic, belongs to Europe historically and culturally. “I do not like when some politicians say: we are Belarusians and you are Europeans. I think that we are all Europeans. Belarus is part of Europe. Both Czechia and the European Union know it,” Jiri Karas said. Talking about the cost of the Schengen visa for Belarusians, the Ambassador said, “Some people assume that if a person can afford going abroad, he can afford paying ?60 for the visa. Other people, including me, believe that it is not quite fair that for some countries the Schengen visa costs ?35 and for others ?60,” the diplomat said. “I think it is a development issue,” he said. In 2008, the Czech Embassy issued almost 20,000 visas to Belarusians, this year the situation did not change significantly. Apart from that, 20% of the visas were granted free of charge to students, children, professors, sportsmen, artistes and elderly Belarusians. Tourists accounted for about 80% of people who visited Czechia. The Czech diplomat expressed hope that the number of Czech tourists to Belarus will increase. In his opinion, Belarus has to improve the infrastructure and build more hotels. “I really hope that the same number of Czech tourists will visit your wonderful country. I think you have much to offer them,” the Ambassador said. БЕЛТА
Written by belta.by
