EU Warns Belarus Sanctions Could Follow Presidential Elections :: Charter'97 :: News

European Union foreign ministers say they are ready to impose sanctions on Belarus if the March presidential election is seen as being rigged. In a statement issued in Brussels Monday, the 25 ministers said they are prepared to act if Belarus fails to uphold international standards in the electoral process, Radio Free Europe said Monday.

EU External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner said the measures could include visa restrictions and economic sanctions.

Hardline President Aleksandr Lukashenko is standing for a third term, and opposition politicians say they are coming under increased pressure in the run-up to the March 19 poll.

Belarusian opposition leader Aleksandr Milinkevich has said he has faced serious obstacles while campaigning.

Milinkevich met with Ferrero-Waldner and some EU foreign ministers on the sidelines of the EU ministerial meeting in Brussels.EU Warns Belarus Sanctions Could Follow Presidential Elections
European Union foreign ministers say they are ready to impose sanctions on Belarus if the March presidential election is seen as being rigged.

In a statement issued in Brussels Monday, the 25 ministers said they are prepared to act if Belarus fails to uphold international standards in the electoral process, Radio Free Europe said Monday.

EU External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner said the measures could include visa restrictions and economic sanctions.

Hardline President Aleksandr Lukashenko is standing for a third term, and opposition politicians say they are coming under increased pressure in the run-up to the March 19 poll.

Belarusian opposition leader Aleksandr Milinkevich has said he has faced serious obstacles while campaigning.

Milinkevich met with Ferrero-Waldner and some EU foreign ministers on the sidelines of the EU ministerial meeting in Brussels.