Diplomats working hard to lessen impact of sanctions against Belarus

RIGA - Latvian diplomats are currently working hard to lessen the impact proposed European Union sanctions against Belarus could have on Latvia's economy, LETA was informed by Foreign Ministry’s press secretary Janis Silis.

“It must be emphasized that EU is not planning an all-inclusive trade embargo against Belarus. Furthermore, the sanctions will not be imposed on all businesses operating in Belarus, just those close to the ruling regime,” Silis said.

He added that Latvia, as Belarus' neighbor, is interested in continuing cooperation with Belarus, however, this country has done everything possible to ruin relations with the EU.

“Belarus’ actions have led to a major deterioration in relations with the EU. If Belarus continues to act in such a way, it will have to take full responsibility for the economic and political sanctions impose on it,” the foreign ministry spokesman said.

The Foreign Ministry urges Belarus to carry out constructive steps, which would allow for the dialogue with the EU to resume. This would include, for example, releasing all political prisoners.

As reported, on March 23, Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics (ZRP) will take part in a meeting of European Union foreign ministers in Brussels. The ministers will discuss the situation in Belarus, Syria and assess the EU Strategy for Security and Development in the Sahel, the EU Foreign Affairs Council's homepage reports.

Rinkevics previously said that the European Union's sanctions against Belarus must not affect the economies of EU members. “These sanctions must have clear criteria, and must not influence the welfare of Belarus' residents, as well as the economies of EU members. This will continue to be our position in discussions within the EU.”

“The bloc's sanctions against Belarus could cause a loss of 480.9 million euros to Latvia,” Latvian Employers Confederation's Director General Liga Mengelsone told the Nozare.lv business portal last week.