Switzerland broadens sanctions against Belarus

MINSK. Aug 30 (Interfax) - Switzerland has broadened sanctions against Belarus by limiting the supply of certain commodities, the Federal Council said on Wednesday.

"The Federal Council decided to adopt further sanctions against Belarus to bring Switzerland in line with the latest measures adopted by the European Union on August 3," says a statement published on the Swiss government website.

The sanctions will take effect on August 30, according to the statement.

"The Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER), in its capacity as Switzerland's competent body, already imposed sanctions on 38 persons and three entities on August 15. The Federal Council will adopt with effect from 30 August the remaining measures adopted by the EU on 3 August," the statement said.

"These measures bring the sanctions against Belarus more closely into line with the sanctions imposed against Russia. They include an export ban on goods and technology for use in the aviation and space industry. Besides aviation and space industry vehicles, the list of goods includes turbojets, turbopropellers and rubber tires. For aviation and space industry items that are also frequently used in the medical sector, exemptions apply subject to authorization," it said.

"The measures also extend the list of goods which contribute to Belarus's military and technological enhancement. For example, no semiconductor devices or electronic integrated circuits may now be exported to Belarus," the statement said.

"The existing export bans on dual-use goods and technologies, and on goods contributing to the military and technological enhancement of Belarus have been aligned with the export bans applicable to Russia. Specifically, where there was previously an exemption with regard to the prohibition of exports necessary to ensure the cyber and information security of persons and companies in Belarus, a license will now be required," it said.

"By adopting this measure, the Federal Council seeks to ensure that no strategic goods reach Belarus in circumvention of the rules. Today's Federal Council decision reflects Switzerland's continued close partnership with the EU with regard to sanctions," the statement said.

As reported, Switzerland expanded sanctions against Belarus on August 15 with restrictions on Belneftekhim, BMK Holding's management company BMZ, the Minsk Electrotechnical Plant, and 38 Belarusian citizens - judges, prosecutors, penitentiary wardens and guards, and employees of state-run media.

The restrictions include trade and financial measures.

Switzerland imposed the first sanctions on Minsk in 2006, expanding them in 2021 and 2022.