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Polish parliamentary speaker promises to support Belarus' non-state media

Bronislaw Komorowski, speaker of Poland's Sejm, has promised to support Belarus' non-state media, especially the Belsat TV channel, in cooperation with all political forces in his country, said Poland's news agency PAP, BelaPAN said.

Mr. Komorowski reportedly made the promise following his meeting Friday in Warsaw with Andzelika Borys, leader of the so-called unofficial Union of Poles in Belarus.

To help the Polish minority in Belarus, the Sejm can express its solidarity, promptly respond to Belarusian authorities’ repressive measures, and adopt a resolution "that would list sanctions against Minsk," Mr. Komorowski said.

Such sanctions would not necessarily lead to a suspension of cooperation but could block Belarus from receiving loans, he said.

Meanwhile, "the independent media" will receive financial assistance, Mr. Komorowski said. The Sejm can be of help because it adopts the budget, he explained.

Ms. Borys reportedly welcomed an agreement to set up a group of experts to find solutions to the Polish minority conflict in Belarus. "This is the first step toward improving relations between the authorities and the Union of Poles," she said. "We hope for positive developments."