In a one-on-one meeting with Mr Makei, Mr Cassis expressed Switzerland's concern about the continued problematic human rights situation in Belarus: "Switzerland's position is clear: Fundamental rights must be guaranteed and serious human rights violations must be prosecuted in Belarus," said Cassis. He also called for the release of all arbitrarily detained persons.
The two foreign ministers also discussed the case of the imprisoned Swiss-Belarusian dual citizen Natallia Hersche. She is under Swiss consular protection, and the Swiss ambassador in Minsk has so far been allowed to visit her on eight occasions. Ms Hersche was recently sentenced to a two-and-a-half year prison term in Belarus. Switzerland will continue to intercede on Natallia Hersche's behalf under the terms of consular protection.
Mr Cassis and Mr Makei also discussed the current tensions in eastern Ukraine.
Further information:
Bilateral relations - Switzerland and Belarus
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