Lyavon Barshcheuski: “EU has never imposed sanctions against Belarusian regime”

• 17.03.2009, 10:57

Leader of the Belarusian Popular Front party commented the Charter’97 press center on a decision of the EU foreign ministers on suspending sanctions against Belarusian officials, including Alyaksandr Lukashenka, for 9 months.

“I’d rather not use the word ‘sanctions’. It is only visa ban reprieve, but sanctions, as such, have never been imposed against the Belarusian authorities. I stand against this decision. Our party expected that the number of banned to entry the EU will increase several times after rigging of the “parliamentary elections” October 28. These are members of the electoral commissions, their heads, judges,” the said.

The politicians reminded that the Belarusian authorities, who now can entry the EU countries, have on their conscience the recent death of Salihorsk human rights activist Yana Palyakova and other crimes.

“Now it comes out that those people, who drove Yana Palyakova to suicide, can go to Europe. They have no financial problems, they can afford staying in European hotels, enjoying life ad laughing!

I find the decision on visa ban reprieve for Belarusian officials to be short-sighted and unsuccessful,” Lyavon Barshcheuski said.