EU Countries Confirm Belarus Travel Ban :: Charter'97 :: News

As you remember, fourteen of the 15 EU foreign ministers decided yesterday to impose travel restrictions on Belarus President Lukashenko and the circle of people closest to him. Today French and Swedish Foreign Ministries stated their intentions to follow the decision, passed by EU, and deny entry visas to the Belarusian personas-non-grata.

"We are deeply disappointed by developments in Belarus and the country`s unwillingness to improve the situation by cooperating with the EU and OSCE. This year, several journalists have been sentenced to unreasonably long imprisonment for criticising the President, prosecution of a number of opposition politicians has been instituted and freedom of religion and belief has been limited. The OSCE office in the country has been thrown out by the authorities", comments Minister for Foreign Affairs Anna Lindh.
The restrictions will be targeted at the Belarus President and parts of his government. They are designed to affect the elite responsible in Belarus and not ordinary people.
"It has been important for Sweden not to agree to decisions that will further isolate the population. We shall also continue to promote cooperation with the Belarus people, by encouraging bilateral contacts", emphasises Anna Lindh.
A unanimous EU decision could not be taken because of Portugal`s objections. Portugal is concerned that extended EU sanctions may affect the forthcoming summit in Portugal.