EU Foreign Ministers Including Top Officials Plan Sanctions on Over 20 Individuals
Belarus Warns of Retaliatory Measures if Sanctions Imposed
[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] The European Union (EU) has taken a firm stance regarding the Belarus situation. The EU has decided to impose sanctions on individuals who led the harsh crackdown on anti-government protests in Belarus.
According to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) on the 31st of last month (local time), foreign ministers of EU member states agreed to impose sanctions related to the Belarus situation. Approximately 20 individuals are expected to be targeted, with the announcement to be made within a few days. The EU warned that if the severe suppression occurring in Minsk, the capital of Belarus, and other areas does not cease, the list of sanctioned individuals could be expanded.
In Belarus, protests have continued since the presidential election on the 9th of last month, condemning election fraud and demanding a re-election. Although the Belarusian Central Election Commission announced that President Aleksandr Lukashenko received over 80% of the vote, the opposition views the election as a total fraud. President Lukashenko has ruled Belarus for 26 years.
The protests demanding a re-election have gradually evolved into calls for President Lukashenko’s resignation. The Belarusian government has been conducting a harsh crackdown on the protests using heavily armed police forces. Protesters have died during the suppression. Moreover, it is reported that arrested protesters have been subjected to torture. Human rights organizations report that more than 500 victims have testified to being tortured.
Josep Borrell, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, stated, "There is an agreement to include individuals responsible for election fraud and the subsequent harsh crackdown on protesters in the sanctions list," adding, "High-ranking officials will also be included among the sanctioned." When asked whether President Lukashenko would be included in the sanctions, Borrell did not give a direct answer. However, other officials believe that President Lukashenko will not be included in the sanctions list.
Following the EU’s announcement of sanctions against Belarus, both Belarus and Russia have expressed opposition. President Lukashenko warned that if the EU imposes sanctions, Belarus may retaliate by blocking cargo passing through its territory. He also cautioned that Poland and Lithuania might have to use routes bypassing the Baltic Sea or the Black Sea to trade with Russia.
Previously, the EU imposed sanctions from 2004 to 2016 in protest against President Lukashenko’s iron-fisted rule. Nearly 200 individuals and companies were targeted. The EU lifted the sanctions after judging that Lukashenko’s governance had improved.
Russia also expressed a negative stance. Dmitry Peskov, spokesperson for the Russian Presidential Administration, stated, "We are generally opposed to sanctions except those imposed by the UN Security Council."
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