European Union threatens Belarus with sanctions

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The EU foreign affairs representative Josep Borrell in January 2020

After the presidential election in Belarus, which was overshadowed by allegations of falsification and violence, the EU is considering new sanctions against the country. This was announced by the EU foreign affairs representative Josep Borrell in a statement.

The document said last Sunday's election was "neither free nor fair". Relations with Belarus will therefore be carefully examined. "This could include, among other things, taking action against those responsible for the observed violence, unjustified arrests and falsification of election results," it said.

Federal Foreign Minister Heiko Maas (SPD) had previously advocated the reinstatement of EU sanctions against Belarus. For this to be possible, however, it needs the approval of all 27 EU member states. Hungary is regarded as a state that could block punitive measures.

The EU last let numerous sanctions expire in February 2016, despite criticism from human rights activists.

Minsk rejects criticism

Meanwhile, the government in Minsk has rejected criticism from the European Union and a number of states. The Foreign Ministry announced through the state news agency Belta that "the quick statements by numerous European politicians" were unacceptable. No attempt is even made to understand the situation objectively and to verify information. "There are already plans to make fateful decisions for our country's relations with the EU," it said. Foreign countries should not further incite instability in society.

Nationwide protests broke out in Belarus after the election on Sunday. These are the largest demonstrations that the country led by the head of state Alexander Lukashenko has ever seen. According to the election commission, Lukashenko won with around 80 percent of the vote. There are also considerable doubts about this internationally.

bah / dpa / AFP