Lukashenko of EU sanctions list off

brussels - Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko is permanently removed from the sanctions list of the European Union. That the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the EU decided Monday.

The travel ban on Lukashenko and 169 compatriots and the freezing of their funds in the union were the end of October already suspended for four months. That was a reaction to the release of the last six political prisoners by the authoritarian regime and the improved relations between Europe and Belarus.

The sanctions against four people involved remain in disappearances, as well as the arms embargo.

Foreign Minister Bert Koenders believes that the further easing of sanctions allows a critical dialogue with the regime, which in the longer term should lead to free elections and freedom of speech in Belarus. He also finds it especially important that the arms embargo remains in force.