European Journal - Belarus: The Fight for a Free Press - 01.01.2009

The Lukashenko regime in Belarus is showing signs of wanting to improve relations with the EU. After a three-year ban, two newspapers which had been critical of the government are once again on sale at state newsstands. The EU has welcomed the thaw in press restrictions, which was one of the conditions to relaxing its sanctions against Belarus. But observers say Alexander Lukashenko’s latest move is mere eyewash: Journalists known to be critical of his regime are still denied accreditation to report on the activities of parliament and the government. In addition, a more restrictive media law is set to be introduced in 2009.