| Yesterday, the European Union submitted proposals to the Belarusian government to expand economic relations in exchange for democratic changes in the country. The head of the European Commission, Ian Boag, at a press conference in Minsk found it difficult to name the amount that Belarus could receive if the EU proposals were implemented. He only said that we are talking about expanding the supply of textiles to Europe, cooperation in the field of energy and a number of other projects. To do this, Minsk must ensure a democratic electoral process, freedom of speech and assembly, and also release political prisoners. Without this, the EU will not be able to “offer Belarus and its people all the benefits of the Good Neighborhood Policy and financial assistance,” Mr. Baugh explained. Olga TOMASHEVSKAYA, Minsk | 