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EU Diplomats In Crisis Talks Over Teddy Bear Incident

August 10, 2012

by RFE/RL

European Union envoys are holding emergency talks to discuss a response to Belarus's expulsion of Swedish diplomats over what has become known as the "teddy bear" incident.

The dispute began when a Swedish public relations firm last month dropped more than 800 teddy bears near Minsk carrying freedom-of-speech messages.

In response, Belarus has expelled Sweden's ambassador and diplomatic personnel.

A spokesman for EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said diplomats "will study the appropriate response of the European Union."

The measures could include a recommendation to close all EU embassies in Minsk, although that decision would be left to individual governments.

In a leaked draft statement obtained by RFE/RL, the envoys say that when the EU reviews its sanctions against Belarus in October, "it will take into account" the Swedish ambassador's expulsion.

With reporting by dpa, AP, and AFP

Source: http://www.rferl.org/content/eu-diplomats-in-crisis-talks-over-teddy-bear-incident/24672898.html

Copyright (c) 2012. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.