MINSK, 8 December (BelTA) – Belarus is completely prepared for talks with the European Union over visa regime simplification and readmission, Aleksei Begun, Head of the Civil Migration Department of the Belarusian Interior Ministry told media on 8 December. Aleksei Begun denied some web publications saying that the European Union insists on these talks, while Belarus’ competent authorities are reluctant to do it. Actually, Belarus was already prepared to start the negotiations last year. However, the EU is slow in getting it started. Belarus, in turn, is studying the relevant experience of Moldova, Russia, and Ukraine. Aleksei Begun also informed the reporters that from 2011 a simplified border crossing regime for the residents of near-border areas with Latvia, Lithuania and Poland comes into force. The Belarusian authorities predict that about a million of Belarusians will be able to obtain permits for easier border crossing. Aleksei Begun also reminded that Belarus and Ukraine have recently simplified the terms of stay for the citizens of both countries. Now Belarusians traveling to Ukraine and Ukrainians going to Belarus can stay in the country for thirty days without registration.

БЕЛТА