US extends trade restrictions with Belarus

Barack Obama extended trade restrictions with the countries posing a threat to the United States.

The restrictions are regulated by the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).

Belarus was added to the list of countries subject to trade restrictions in 2006 for undermining democratic institutions.

The list also includes Iran (since 1979), Myanmar (since 1997), Sudan (since 1997), Russia (since 200 to prevent export of weapons-grade uranium), Zimbabwe (since 2003), Syria (since 2004), North Korea (since 2008) and Libya (since 2011 after government's violence against civilians). Extension of the law is a technical issue.

“The national emergency declared on August 17, 2001, must continue in effect beyond August 17, 2012. Therefore, […]  I am continuing for 1 year the national emergency,” RIA Novosti cites Barack Obama's notice.