Comment by the Press Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus D.Mironchik in connection with the prolongation of the EU sanctions against the Republic of Belarus

27-02-2017

We always considered sanctions a priori unjust and counterproductive measure. The prolongation for another year of the remaining restrictions – the arms embargo and sanctions against four individuals – is not consistent with the spirit of cooperation between our country and the European Union.

Having unblocked the supply of biathlon equipment to Belarus, the EU partially addressed the controversy inherent in its’ own arms embargo. At the same time, the remaining ban continues to target goods that have nothing to do with professed EU objectives.

We expect the EU to follow-up on its positive step with more decisive actions that will finally put an end to its’ coercive policy vis-à-vis Belarus, a responsible partner and neighbour of the European Union.

The Belarusian side will continue its’ engagement with the EU aimed at the complete lifting of the sanctions. 

русская версия    беларуская версія