Taking into consideration the importance of expanding interpersonal contacts, the Council of the European Union calls the European Commission to consider easing visa regulations for the citizens of Belarus and signing a readmission agreement with our country. This statement was among the EU Council conclusions on Belarus announced on 17 November, BelTA has learnt. Apart from that, the EU Council confirms its readiness to expand cooperation with Belarus and therefore calls the European Commission to develop a draft interim plan of priority reforms that can be implemented in Belarus within the framework of the European Neighborhood Policy. The Council decided to suspend travel restrictions for some Belarusian officials till October 2010, but did not abolish them completely. The Council stated that since October 2008 new opportunities for promoting dialogue and expanding cooperation between Belarus and the EU have emerged; the Council welcomes Belarus-EU high level dialogue and Belarus’ more active participation in the Eastern Partnership initiative which is meant to enhance mutual understanding and provide a venue for addressing topical issues.