BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS

DATE:

11/04/2006

Belarus imposes restrictions on foreign politicians

By DPA

Minsk, April 11 (DPA) The government of Belarus, in an apparent reaction to EU travel bans imposed on its senior regime officials, is to enforce inward travel restrictions on foreign politicians.

Describing the EU move as 'short-sighted' and 'without perspective,' the foreign ministry in Minsk said Monday, 'Belarus is preparing measures, which in accordance with international practice will affect persons on a corresponding list.'

EU had Monday slapped a visa ban on Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko and 30 other top officials deemed responsible for the 'violation of international electoral standards' and the recent crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrators.

The new measures follow the March 19 presidential elections, which the EU said were 'not held in a free and fair manner.' The statement also condemned the use of violence by the Belarus authorities against demonstrators.

Source:

http://www.dailyindia.com/show/16299.php/Belarus_imposes_restrictions_on_foreign_politicians