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Belarusian authorities have launched about 1,000 folks detained amid demonstrations contesting the outcomes of the presidential election, in an try and assuage public anger in opposition to a brutal crackdown on peaceable protests and keep away from Western sanctions.
At least 9 European Union international locations and the bloc’s govt arm have referred to as for brand new sanctions on Belarus forward of emergency talks amongst member states on Friday. Any EU resolution on sanctions would require unanimity. A ultimate resolution is predicted later this month.
Poland, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Denmark referred to as in a joint letter for “restrictive measures against officials” answerable for the election consequence, which gave President Alexander Lukashenko 80%, and for crackdown on protesters.
Germany, Austria and Sweden have already referred to as for sanctions right away.
Diplomatic sources stated the principle sceptic was Hungary, which has beforehand referred to as for all EU sanctions on Minsk to be lifted.
The head of the EU’s govt arm, Ursula von der Leyen, tweeted: “We need additional sanctions against those who violated democratic values or abused human rights in Belarus. I am confident today’s … discussion will demonstrate our strong support for the rights of the people in Belarus to fundamental freedoms and democracy.”
The bloc first imposed sanctions on Belarus in 2004. It stepped them up in 2011 over abuses of human rights and democratic requirements, together with vote rigging. Any new EU sanctions would most certainly take the type of journey bans and asset freezes on people.
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