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FM: Belarus opposes the use of sanctions, views them as anachronism
MINSK, 6 July (BelTA) – Belarus opposes the use of sanctions and views them as an anachronism, Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei told journalists on 6 July, BelTA has learned.
According to Vladimir Makei, “Belarus can think of many ways” to respond to the Western sanctions. “However, we do not support this approach. We talked about this earlier today at a meeting to discuss response to sanctions [hosted by the president]. We believe that sanctions are an anachronism. Those who are ecstatic about them, primarily our opponents self-exiled in the West, are deeply mistaken if they think that sanctions can bring about some positive results. The sanctions will not lead to anything positive, primarily for them,” he stressed.
The aim is clear – to wreck the economy and to harm the sovereignty and statehood of Belarus, Vladimir Makei noted. “We will not let this happen. Belarus has worked out a set of measures in response to the sanctions, which will depend on what comes next. Of course, we will observe the development of the situation. I would like to reiterate: we vehemently oppose the use of sanctions, but we will respond to any pressure,” the minister noted.
The minister recalled that a number of steps have already been taken in response to the sectoral sanctions imposed by Western countries. Among them is the suspension of Belarus' participation in the EU's Eastern Partnership initiative, which did not bring any special results for the country, and the launch of the procedure to suspend the readmission agreement with the European Union. Earlier, Belarus’ permanent representative to the EU was recalled to Minsk for consultations. The head of the EU Delegation in Belarus was also invited to go to Brussels for consultations and to convey Belarus’ position on the unacceptability of the pressure and sanctions.
"The list of these steps is endless. Specific sets of measures have been prepared depending on the development of the situation. But we resolutely oppose the escalation of tensions in our relations. We would like the relations between Belarus and Western countries to develop in a constructive way. The actions we are taking are a response to the tough steps that are being taken against Belarus," Vladimir Makei said.
He believes that at this stage Belarus has reacted adequately: "This concerns political and diplomatic measures. With regard to the economic response, we have established an inter-agency group. It has already undertaken a number of steps. These steps will also be sensitive to our Western partners."
"We are not going to contemplate the situation calmly. We look at the situation very adequately, analyze it. Our steps will always be commensurate with the steps that are being taken in relation to Belarus," Vladimir Makei concluded.
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