EU diplomats suggest that Belarus sanctions will be suspended

European Union diplomats have said that, following the release of political prisoners in Belarus and the country’s hosting of Ukraine peace talks earlier this year, EU foreign ministers will agree to suspend targeted sanctions against around 140 individuals, including President Alexander Lukashenko, from the end of October until February 2016. The suspension of the sanctions on Belarus, which currently impose an EU-wide asset freeze and travel ban on people and entities responsible for serious violations of human rights, undermining democracy, or supporting or benefitting from the Lukashenka regime, is contingent on the free and fair running of the country’s presidential election this Sunday.

The sanctions will be kept under review, and the suspension may be terminated if new human rights abuses occur.