MFA welcomes reducing sanctions

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus welcomes a “downward trend in sanction”.

“We are observing a downward trend in sanctions. But in general, this decision of the European Union is counterproductive,” MFA spokesman Andrei Savinykh told Interfax news agency on Wednesday.

The official MFA representative emphasised that “sanctions have no prospects and should be lifted”. “Developing partnership relations and cooperation in the interests of citizens of Belarus and the EU countries on the basis of sanctions is impossible,” Savinykh said.

The EU Council is reported to have extended restrictive measures against Belarus until October 31, 2014.

“This is because not all political prisoners have been released, no released prisoner has been rehabilitated, and the respect for human rights, the rule of law and democratic principles has not improved in Belarus,” the communique spread by Brussels reads.

The list of persons and entities banned from entering the EU and subject to a freeze of the assets in Europe was updated. The EU sanctions are imposed on 232 persons and 25 entities.