Josep Borrell
The European Union is preparing a new package of sanctions against Belarus in order to support the democratic rights of the people of the country. This was stated by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell, reports TASS.
The diplomat pointed out that it was decided to start preparing measures “in response to the violence of the authorities” of Belarus. Borrell also shared details on who would fall under the restrictions. According to him, not only officials and individuals, but also state structures, organizations and entrepreneurs will appear on the black lists.
Earlier it was reported that the subjects that finance the President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko may fall under the sanctions. The decision to toughen the restrictions was made by the foreign ministers of the EU member states, new measures will begin to operate within a few weeks.
On November 6, the EU imposed sanctions directly against Lukashenka and 14 other Belarusian officials. Their assets are frozen, they were banned from entering the European Union. In early October, the leaders of the EU countries imposed sanctions against 40 Belarusian officials, who, in their opinion, were involved in electoral fraud and human rights violations. Belarus is also responding by introducing and expanding sanctions against Western countries.
Mass protests have continued in Belarus since August. The participants demand the resignation of Lukashenka, the holding of new elections and the punishment of the security officials responsible for the brutal dispersal of the demonstrators. The authorities believe that elements of external interference are visible in the situation.
