Tensions rise between Belarus and EU: Lukashenko suspends Eastern bloc participation in European camp

Belarus announces on Monday, A place for reconciliation between the Coalition and the former Soviet republics, to oppose it Sanctions imposed against the regime of Alexander Lukashenko After the interruption of the commercial flight.

“Our obligations under this Agreement cannot be met in the light of the sanctions and restrictions imposed by the EU.”, The Belarusian Foreign Ministry said in a statement that its ambassador to Brussels had been invited for “consultations”. He also said he started “Use Suspension Procedures.”

Europeans have stepped up pressure against Belarus following the repression of a broad opposition movement provoked by the August 2020 re-election. Considered a fraud by President Alexander Lukashenko.

Belarusian ministry “summons” the head of the European delegation in Belarus to Brussels “To inform their leaders of the unacceptability of pressures and sanctions.”

According to the Belarusian regime, the suspension of the Eastern Partnership, launched in 2009 with six countries, “This will negatively affect relations with the EU in the fight against illegal immigration and organized crime.”

To European officials involved in the expansion of sanctions against Belarus They will be barred from entering their territory, According to the same source.

This Belarusian retaliation comes after the new round of economic and personal sanctions adopted by the Europeans They came into effect last week.

In response, European sanctions were adopted On May 23 a Ryanair commercial plane was intercepted by the Belarusian government Flying over the territory of Belarus and Opposition journalist Roman Protashevich and his Russian partner Sofia Sabeka were arrested.

President of the Council of Europe, Charles Michael, Sees Monday as “stepping back” on Belarus’ decision to suspend participation in the Eastern Partnership Program. “Belarus today took another step back by suspending its contribution to the Eastern Partnership”, Tweeted the chairman of the Council representing EU countries.

The move, according to Michael, “It will increase tensions and have a clear negative impact on the Belarusian people by seizing opportunities for our cooperation.”

Thus, the Belgian politician issued two messages: One was aimed at the Belarusian people and the other at the Lukashenko regime.

“People of Belarus: You can count on the EU. We are on your side with solidarity and practical support,” said Michael, It reminded him of “the right” to elect his president through new free and fair elections.

He further added that “the rule of President Lukashenko: put the future of Belarus first.”

The European Union imposed sanctions on Belarus last Thursday In the face of human rights violations and civil society, anti-democracy and violent repression of the press.

Sanctions These include restricting the trade in products used in the production of petroleum products, potash and tobacco products. For his part, Lukashenko said last week that he was ready to introduce martial law in Belarus. EU sanctions on the economy of the former Soviet republic.

“Should not be There is no (economic) decline in any company. We will use martial law if necessary. “The president said this during a visit to the Crotno region in light of the potential economic consequences of sectoral sanctions.

According to Lukashenko, He stressed that the Belarusian economy should not be affected by EU regulations, so find new ways to diversify the economy: “We have to show these traitors on the other side of the border His sanctions speak volumes about his disability. We will do it ”.

Belarus was part of the Eastern Partnership with the European Union, Created in 2009 by Ukraine, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Moldova.

The European Union (EU) has backed the opposition’s peaceful struggle against fraud in the August 2020 presidential election. It has repeatedly demanded the release of political prisoners.

(With information from AFP and EFE)

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