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EU supports joining of other countries to the sanctions against Belarus

03 November 2012 10:43 (UTC +04:00)

Baku â€“ APA-Economics. High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs & Security Policy Catherine Ashton welcomes joining of Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Iceland, Serbia, Albania, Norway and Lichtenstein to EUâ€™s sanctions against Belarus, APA reports.

Note that, on October 15, the EU Council has announced that it is to prolong current sanctions against Belarus until 31 October 2013. The EU claimed that the reasons for sanctions renewal included human rights violations, a lack of legitimacy and failure to respect democratic principles in the country.

We will continue to put pressure on Belarus, demanding a release and rehabilitation of all political prisoners in the country and providing support for representatives of civic society,â€ EU High Representative Catherine Ashton stated. In response to the human rights claims Belarus has expressed its interest in holding a constructive and respectful dialogue.