Makej did not go to New York

The visit of the head of the Belarusian MFA to the USA was cancelled.

Uladzimir Makej, who is under the effect of international sanctions, was supposed to visit New York on 13 May to participate in a meeting organized by the UN on countering the trade on humans. Also his meeting with the organization’s Secretary General Ban Ki-moon was supposed to take place. However it became known last minute that the trip had been cancelled. Instead New Your Makej went to Armenia together with the ruler of Belarus. He is represented in New York by his deputy Valancin Rybakou.

A political observer Raman Jakauleuski stated in an interview to the charter97.org web-site that the reasons for the cancellation of the Belarusian Foreign Minister’s visit should be looked for in the US’ principled position.

“Uladzimir Makej was going to New York not that much for the UN events, but rather for a series of meetings in Barack Obama’s administration. Serious effort was taken for their organization. The visit would have been presented by the Belarusian propaganda as a break through the blockade, despite that visa restrictions do not refer to trips on the invitations of some international organizations including the UN.

The point of the trip was lost when it had become clear that it would not be possible to arrange the meetings. This tells of a principled position of Washington regarding Belarus, as contrary to the one of Brussels’”, - Raman Jakauleuski stated.

We would remind that the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belarus is in the list of officials and oligarchs, against whom sanctions have been introduced because of repressions in our country. The entrance to the European Union countries and the USA is forbidden for them. Some European officials stated that Makej might be allowed to enter the EU. This idea was criticized by Belarusian opposition as well as by influential human rights organization.

It became known about Belarus Foreign Minister’s planned trip to New York on 3 May.