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Belarus says extension of EU sanctions counterproductive

30 October 2013 18:34 (UTC +04:00)

Baku-APA. The Belarusian foreign ministry said here Wednesday the European Union's decision to extend sanctions against the country's citizens and enterprises was counterproductive, APA reports quoting Xinhua.

"These sanctions do not have any prospects and should be completely lifted. The sanctions cannot be a basis for partnership serving the interests of the citizens of Belarus and the EU," ministry spokesman Andrei Savinykh said.

The ministry acknowledged the number of EU sanctions had been reduced, but maintained they should be abolished completely.

The EU announced earlier it had extended its sanctions against Belarus for another 12 months, citing continued incarceration of political prisoners, human rights abuses, and a lack of democratic and judicial reform as reasons.

The list of persons and entities banned from entering the EU and subject to an assets freeze in Europe has been updated and include 232 persons and 25 entities.