Brussels, 15/10/2012 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 15 October, European foreign affairs ministers prolonged their sanctions against Belarus until 31 October 2013, but did not add to them. President Lukashenko and the minister for foreign affairs, Vladimir Makei - along with 241 others - are subject to a visa ban and an assets freeze. The assets will be frozen of 32 entities. This extension of sanctions - which were due to be reviewed by 31 October 2012 - is down to the fact that political prisoners have not been released, that none of them have been restored to favour, and that there has been no improvement in respect for human rights, the rule of law or democratic principles.
In its conclusions, the Council criticises the fact that the parliamentary elections on 23 September - which took place in a general climate of oppression - were again a missed occasion to conduct elections in conformity with international standards. It also again asks for the respect of privileges and diplomatic immunity, and for diplomats to be allowed to exercise their functions freely - the Swedish ambassador was expelled in August.
The ministers again call for all political prisoners to be released and for them to be restored to favour. The ministers also underline their concern about decisions on additional prison punishments and about information on the bad treatment inflicted on political prisoners. The Council again urges the authorities to put an end to the harassment of civil society, the opposition and independent media. It recalls that is firmly resolved to strengthen its support to citizens and civil society. (CG/transl.fl)