Andrei Sannikov: Sanctions Can Be Imposed on Belarus :: Charter'97 :: News

The introduction of US sanctions against Belarus is totally realistic. The USA have all the necessary means of pressure – both political and economic. In the event they impose sanctions America will demand from her allies, especially NATO member-states to uphold the practice, said in an interview to Radio Ratsya Charter`97 international coordinator, former country`s deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Sannikov. The diplomat states that the Belarusian authorities continue to conceal data on arms sale, which is an additional irritant to the Americans.

"Belarusian authorities keep confidential all data on weaponry sales. The information, presented to the American side, didn`t satisfy it at all. The authorities are lying about their illicit arms deals. As concerns sanctions, I consider such measure a reality. I would also remind them that there exists a draft law of senator Helms. And all statements on sanctions are related to this very law. The draft law envisages sanctions against Belarus as a non-democratic country. So now we have the combination of a non-democratic country and the one, which takes lightly its arms sales business. This confirms one more time the fact that the Belarusian regime poses serious threat both domestically and internationally," – stated Andrei Sannikov.

J.Helms`s draft law, spoken of by Sannikov, sets forth among other things the US blockade of the Belarusian state property, bank transfers, export ban, prohibition to enter the country for Belarusians etc. In other words, the US government is insinuating to Belarus that her illegal arms sales issue is something that will get the official Minsk into big trouble.