Lukashenka asks to lift sanctions

The dictator says Belarus stands for lifting all possible sanctions.

Aliaksandr Lukashenka said it today as he received credentials of foreign ambassadors BelTA reports.

He stressed that the year 2014 was one of the most difficult years in the world policy in the last few years. “Some states are eager not only to influence regional processes but also to change the global balance of powers,” Lukashenka noted. According to him, ”the result is obvious: tensions are escalating in the world, trust in partners is decreasing, and sanctions are imposed”.

“Belarus is in favor of equal cooperation without pressure and coercion between countries,” Lukashenka noted. “We advocate the abolition of all kinds of sanctions as they have a direct influence on the living standards of people.”

Lukashenka thinks that complexity of the present-day situation and weakening of the role of international organizations in addressing global issues raise the importance of bilateral ties, friendship and productive cooperation between states.

“Our country is going to do its best in this area,” Lukashenka said. He expressed a hope that the work of diplomats would strengthen the mutually beneficial ties between Belarus and their home countries. According to him, today's ceremony has brought together diplomats from various corners of the world.

The EU extended sanctions against the blacklisted Belarusian officials in October. Travel and economic restrictions hit 219 Belarusian officials, including Lukashenka, and 25 companies. Sanctions were introduced against the dictator’s bankrollers – Yuriy Chizh (Czyzh), Vladimir Peftiev, Anatoly Ternavsky and their companies. Restrictions were imposed due to systematic violations of human rights and repression against opposition and civil society.