The foreign ministers of the European Union have conceptually agreed to impose sanctions on about 20 Belarusian officials. The final list is scheduled for approval next week. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Joseph Borrell said the number of people subject to sanctions could increase over time if the first decision did not produce the desired results.
The imposition of sanctions on Belarusian officials was agreed by the European Union foreign ministers after two days of informal discussions in Berlin. The names of the officials are not disclosed yet. The European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Joseph Borrell, justified this by the need to gather sufficient evidence of the involvement of certain officials in the falsification of election results and the suppression of protests.
The European Union agrees on sanctions against Belarusian officialsArtyom Konohov
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“The initial list was short. Then it rose from 12 to almost 20 people, and I expect it to be expanded in the coming days, “Borrell said. that if today their neighbor is sanctioned, then tomorrow one of them may be the next. We would like these sanctions to serve as a kind of warning. “
It is known that some countries have tried to link sanctions against Belarus with sanctions against Turkey for its activities near Cyprus. However, Dutch Foreign Minister Sefs Block insisted that these issues be considered separately.
“The situation in Belarus is very difficult. Its people deserve our unequivocal support, “the Bloc emphasized.” I have already spoken out in favor of sanctions at the previous meeting, because they send a clear signal that we support the people. This is a clear signal to those responsible for the torture and unacceptable conduct during the elections. “
It is known that the foreign ministers of 11 European Union countries have demanded that Borrell take a decision on sanctions against Belarusian officials as soon as possible.
Borrell promised that the formalities could be completed within a few days. Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Lins Linkēvičs finally spoke about the need to act. He believes that sanctions could also deter Russia from sending troops to Belarus.
“We cannot rule out the possibility of such an invasion, which they could justify on the terms of the treaty,” Linkevic said. “But we see and we know that there is no legal, military or practical reason to carry out military intervention.” That’s why it’s important to send the right signal here, too. “
The European Union is also going to provide EUR 53 million in aid to the people of Belarus. Most of this money will be used to support civil society and fight the coronavirus. However, it is not yet clear who could monitor the distribution of this money in Belarus, as the Opposition Coordinating Council does not want to do so. They believe that this could give the ruling regime an excuse to arrest members of this council.
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