[ad_1]
Dictator Alexander Lukashenko was suddenly sworn in on Wednesday for a new term as President of Belarus.
The EU has prepared sanctions against some 40 people in the Lukashenko regime, but has not been able to agree on them. Cyprus withholds its approval on the grounds that it wants its case to be heard in a maritime dispute with Turkey.
Sweden and Finland are also said to have opposed imposing direct sanctions against Alexander Lukashenko, sources told AFP. The motive would be to promote mediation attempts through the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), which will be led by Sweden.
Ann Linde rejects that information.
– It’s completely wrong. We have never objected to Lukashenko being on the sanctions list.
“Seems desperate”
Linde says Sweden quickly wanted to agree on several names on a first list and then see if there was an opportunity to dialogue with Lukashenko before he was listed in a second round.
– Now, after this hasty and secret installation, Lukashenko confirms that he completely lacks the support of the Belarusian people. This seems desperate, so at this time there is no precondition for such a dialogue. So we think that one should try to get Lukashenko already on the first list.
Ann Linde does not understand that Cyprus did not approve the sanctions against Belarus due to its dispute with Turkey.
– We believe that these are different issues that should be dealt with separately.
The issue of sanctions will now be discussed at the European Council next week.
