Minsk calls for complete cancellation of sanctions after EU sanctions list partially cut

16:59, 03.08.2015 1 min read

The decision of the Council of the European Union on another decrease in sanctions lists regarding Belarus made on July 31 is a step in the right direction, however Minsk insists all restrictions previously introduced be cancelled, the Belarusian Foreign Ministry press office told Interfax on Monday.

"Complete cancellation of all sanctions and restrictions of the EU is a necessary condition to stabilize relations and will assist in continuing dialogue with the EU on issues of mutual interest," the press office said.

Belarus takes an unchanged, principled stance, thinking that "building cooperation based on sanctions and pressure" is unacceptable, the Foreign Ministry said.

It has been reported that the Council of the European Union decided to exclude 24 Belarusian citizens from the list of persons to whom sanctions apply.