US and EU discuss new sanctions against Belarus

• 19.05.2011, 8:50

Additional sanctions are to be imposed because of deterioration of the situation in Belarus and a presidential candidate Andrei Sannikov’s confinement in a prison.

The United States and the European Union consider additional sanctions against Belarus. It has been stated on Wednesday by Philip Gordon, US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs.

“By reason of deterioration of the situation in Belarus and imprisonment of the presidential candidate Andrei Sannikov we are discussing a possibility of imposing additional sanctions against this country,” Gordon said at the session of the US Senate, dedicated to discussing the US priorities in Europe, “Radio Svaboda” informs.

He added that Washington finds the court proceedings on “mass riots” in Belarus politically motivated, and he has stated that improvement of relations with official Minsk is impossible in the context of crackdown on the civil society, opposition and independent mass media.”

“Both we and Europe want better, more productive relations with Belarus. Unfortunately, the leadership of this country is pursuing the policy which is isolating Belarus and its people even further,” Mr Gordon said.