Belarusian opposition leader, Belgian top diplomat discuss sanctions

July 12, BPN. Belarusian opposition leader Śviatłana Cichanoŭskaja and Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib have discussed the inadmissibility of softer sanctions on the transit of Belarusian potash fertilizers through Europe as officials there consider new restrictions on Minsk, according to Cichanoŭskaja’s aide.

The two leaders met on the sidelines of a NATO summit in Vilnius to talk about Belgium’s upcoming presidency of the European Union (EU). Lahbib assured Cichanoŭskaja that Belarus will remain on the bloc’s agenda.

At yesterday’s summit side event, Cichanoŭskaja urged the West to pledge security guarantees and a non-nuclear status for her country, as well as its integration into “European and transatlantic structures,” saying there can be no lasting peace without a free Belarus.

The EU has imposed sanctions on Minsk for its crackdown on dissent and its role in the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The measures include travel bans and asset freezes on officials and entities, as well as trade and financial restrictions.