EU intends to prolong sanctions against Belarus for one more year
MINSK. Oct 12 (Interfax) - The Council of the European Union intends to prolong at its session on October 15 its sanctions with regard to Belarus until October 31, 2013, the Belarusian media report referring to the Council's press service.
Considering that not all political prisoners have been freed and the situation with respect for human rights, the supremacy of law and democratic principles has not improved the Council will extend the effect of restrictive measures until October 31, 2013, the press service announced.
The European Union will continue to insist that all political prisoners be freed and rehabilitated. In any case, the EU policy with regard to Belarus is not limited to sanctions but amounts to support for civil society and the independent media, the report says.
The EU introduced visa restrictions with regard to over 200 Belarusian officials led by President Alexander Lukashenko and also with regard to several Belarusian companies.
Earlier reports said Lukashenko expected the European Union to stop pressure and to take steps for restoring confidence.
"We expect the EU to stop putting senseless pressure on our country and to take steps for restoring confidence in itself as a serious partner and a good neighbor," Lukashenko said while receiving credentials from new ambassadors, including diplomats of the UK, Germany, Lithuania and Hungary, on October 5.
Belarus does not accept pressure and interference in its internal affairs, Lukashenko said. "They may use the mentoring tone and push the allegedly exclusive genuine outlook of the West on countries aspiring to join the EU as long as they want. But they cannot do that to Belarus," the president said. He said he was surprised with "lameness and tendentiousness displayed by certain officials in Brussels, who, by the way, are increasingly losing touch with the real needs of European peoples, in their estimation of events in our country."