1st Ld Writethru: EU ends some sanctions against Belarus, keeps arms embargo

The European Union (EU) here on Monday said it would not extend the restrictive measures against 170 Belarusian individuals including Belarussian President Alexander Lukashenko, and three companies whose listings are currently suspended, ending most sanctions against Belarus.

However, according to a council conclusion on Belarus issued after an EU foreign ministers' meeting, it said the EU foreign ministers further agreed that "the arms embargo and the restrictive measures related to the four individuals listed in connection with the unresolved disappearances of two opposition politicians, one businessman and one journalist, will be extended for a period of twelve months."

The conclusion said the EU Foreign ministers acknowledged the steps taken by Belarus over the last two years that have contributed to improving EU-Belarus relations, such as the proactive participation of Belarus in the Eastern Partnership.

"The Council remains open to the further development of EU-Belarus relations, and to taking further steps to enhance political relations and sectoral cooperation in the appropriate context," it said.

At the same time, the council remains concerned with the situation of human rights in Belarus and recalls that EU-Belarus relations should be based on common values, especially respect for human rights, democracy and the rule of law.

The latest decision was made four months after the EU announced in October 2015 to suspend for four months the asset freeze and travel ban applying to 170 individuals and the asset freeze applying to three entities in Belarus.

The EU side said that the release of all the remaining political prisoners on Aug. 22 last year by Belarus was a long sought step that the EU had consistently called for. In response to the releases and the presidential elections in last October that were held in an environment free from violence, and taking into consideration the overall state of EU-Belarus relations, the council agreed in October 2015 on a four-month suspension of most of the restrictive measures.

The EU has long been committed to a policy of "critical engagement" with Belarus

In January 2011, the EU decided to target its restrictions against those responsible for "violation of international electoral standards in the presidential elections or the crackdown on civil society and the democratic opposition" in Belarus. The criteria were then expanded in January 2012 to also target those responsible for actions such as "serious violations of human rights" in Belarus.

Concerning the ties, Lukashenko always says that Belarus is open to equal cooperation and friendship with the West, including the United States and the EU, if they wish so. Endit