G7 calls Belarus ‘callous’ as 2,000 migrants gather at Polish border
The G7 has called Belarus “callous” over its treatment of migrants, which has seen some 2,000 people gather in desperation at the Polish border.
There are currently around 7,000 migrants residing in Belarus, according to presidential press secretary Natalya Eismont today, who hope of entering the European Union (EU).
“The European Union shall open a humanitarian corridor for 2,000 refugees staying at the camp,” she said, adding that many refugees staying in Belarus are insisting on being granted asylum in Germany.
German chancellor Angela Merkel has said that her government will negotiate with the bloc to help form the “humanitarian corridor”, with around 2,000 exposed to freezing weather conditions and little food and water.
The G7 has sided with Poland, saying earlier today: “The actions of the Belarusian regime are an attempt to deflect attention from its ongoing disregard for international law, fundamental freedoms and human rights, including those of its own people.”
The Polish army has detained dozens of migrants who have crossed the border.
Belarus, who’s closest ally is Russia, has today pledged to send 5,000 asylum seekers back to their home countries in a bid to ease the border crisis, which has been brewing since summer.
A flight with nearly 400 refugees, primarily Iraqi citizens according to Eismont, departed Belarus today.
Belarus has manufactured the crisis in retaliation for sanctions on Poland, a former soviet state, the EU has reportedly said.