Lukashenka: We advocate abolition of sanctions as they directly influence people’s living standards

Belarus advocates abolition of all sanctions as they “have a direct influence on the living standards of ordinary people”, Belarusan president said as he received credentials of foreign ambassadors.

According to him, the year 2014 has been one of the most difficult years in the world politics over the past years. “Some states are eager not only to influence regional processes but also to change the global balance of powers,” President said, according to BelTA.

“Belarus is in favour of equal cooperation without pressure and coercion between countries. We advocate the abolition of all kinds of sanctions as they have a direct influence on the living standards of people,” Lukashenka marked.

The sanction war between the West and Russia is in its full swing now. The Belarusian authorities have solid experience of living under sanctions.

Let us recall that the EU first imposed restrictive measures against the Belarusian regime in 2004 in response to the disappearance of four opposition activists in 1999 and 2000. Measures have also been imposed against those responsible for the fraudulent referendum and elections in Belarus on 17 October 2004; for the violations of international electoral standards in the presidential elections in Belarus on 19 March 2006, and on 19 December 2010; and those who are responsible for severe human rights violations and the repression of peaceful demonstrators in the aftermath of the referendum and these elections.

The EU blacklisted Belarusian president Aliaksandr Lukashenka, his sons Viktar and Dzmitry, head of the Central Election Commission Lidziya Yarmoshyna, KGB Chief Valery Vakulchyk and a number of Belarusian ministers, top officials, judges, journalists and presidential bagmen who are accessory to serious violations of human rights, for the repression of civil society and the democratic opposition or for undermining democracy and the rule of law in Belarus, or persons benefiting from or supporting the Lukashenka regime.