Germany's Ambassador: Policy of sanctions cannot be regarded as salami slicing

The Ambassador of Germany to Belarus gave his evaluation of the Belarusian-German relations.

Belarus and Germany have opportunities to improve their relations, Germany's Ambassador to Belarus Wolfram Maas told journalists during the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall on November 9.

The diplomat stressed that the obstacles that hinder the improvement of relations are well known, BelaPAN reports.

“The two years I have been working here allow me to conclude that we are making progress in our relations. Firstly, I think we can say that the atmosphere of contacts has improved. Secondly, the level of contacts has gradually risen and their frequency has intensified,” the ambassador said. He noted that the “parameters and depth of topics under discussion have intensified”.

“Of course, we haven't reached the point we would like to be at, but we are on the right track. I hope we will move faster,” the ambassador said.

Maas found it difficult to answer if the current period of Belarus-West relations coiulc be called a thaw.

“We still see certain problems. In this context, no changes have been made,” the diplomat said. “Among positive things, I'd like to note that we have areas where cooperation is possible and being implemented right now.”

Speaking about the EU sanctions against Belarus, Maas noted they are not a bargain item. “All of us should understand that the sanctions policy cannot be regarded as salami slicing,” the diplomat said. “The EU is guided by the rule of law. We need to see in every particular case if there are conditions for making any decisions.”

Maas underlined that the EU had imposed restrictive measures on Belarus due to certain problems. “No sanctions will be changed unless we see positive changes in the issues of concern,” he said.

One of the main problems in the Belarusian-EU relations is political prisoners in the country.