BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS

DATE:

14/12/2007

More US sanctions likely for Belarus

The decision was moved by US's allegations

US is likely to impose further restrictions on Belarus to underline opposition to what it refers to as disregard for fundamental rights.

Announcing the news, US Ambasador Karen Stewart said the decision was moved by allegations that Belarus denied freedom of the press and withheld release of political prisoners.

The new strictures will reinforce previous ones such as denying the oil company Belneftekhim cooperation and barring President Alexander Lukashenko from the United States.

The move, Stewart hinted, mainly targeted state-run firms two of them affiliated to Belneftekhim.

"As we have observed no progress from Belarusian authorities, the United States is ready to undertake further moves against state enterprises..." said the ambassador.

The foreign exchange flow into the county, mainly made possible by Belneftekhim and its subsidiaries, could bear the brunt of the sanctions.

Source:

http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=34877§ionid=351020606