A dozen Minsk-based EU ambassadors on 16 June visited the apartment in which three Belarusian lawmakers -- Syarhey Skrabets, Valery Fralou, and Uladzimir Parfyanovich -- and a group of opposition activists were in the 14th day of a hunger.

The lawmakers are demanding democratic changes to the country's Election Code and the release from custody of their political associate, Mikhail Marynich. Citing health reasons, the ambassadors called on the protesters to end the strike.

"[We call on the protesters] to halt the hunger strike in order to preserve their health and use their courage that they have demonstrated in action for the sake of their country's future," French Ambassador Stephane Chmelewsky read from a joint statement.

The Chamber of Representatives, Belarus's lower house, has reportedly decided to consider on 22 June the possibility of amending the Election Code.

(RFE/RL 18.vi.04)