European Union: Sanctions against Belarus extended for one more year

On October 29 European Union has extended sanctions against Belarus until October 21, 2014, reports press service of the Council of the European Union.

“Following an annual review, the Council today extended EU restrictive measures against Belarus until 31 October 2014, - the report says. - This is because not all political prisoners have been released, no released prisoner has been rehabilitated, and the respect for human rights, the rule of law and democratic principles has not improved in Belarus.

It is also noted that the EU maintains its policy of critical engagement with Belarus, intended to promote respect for human rights, the rule of law and democratic principles in that country.

The statement also states that “the annual review updated the list of those targeted with a travel ban and freeze of their assets within the EU. 232 persons and 25 entities remain subject to EU sanctions.

The legal acts have been adopted by written procedure and will enter into force upon publication in the EU Official Journal of 30 October”.

Let us recall that earlier EU added three Belarusan state officials in its “black list”, but dropped sanctions against 13 people and 5 enterprises.