The ban by the Government of Belarus on “Children of Chernobyl” travel to EU countries will be raised in Parliament by the Fine Gael MEP Jim Higgins. A recent meeting between Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chernobyl, Ireland has so far failed to progress the issue.
Condemning the ban, Mr. Higgins said: “This decision came as a bolt from the blue. There was no official explanation for the ban on Belarusian authorities. Not alone is a major setback for the hundreds of young children from Chernobyl who thought they were coming to Ireland and other EU countries for the Christmas holidays, he created a disappointment for many communities and families who look forward to welcoming young people. ”
“Although I appreciate that Minister Martin is doing its best to resolve the situation, I think it will need the collective voice of all EU member states to persuade the authorities in Belarus to reverse this decision. ”
“I have tabled a question to the French presidency and I will be urging their foreign minister to head a delegation of the European Union to achieve a change of heart for what appears to be a totally irrational and inhumane decision.”