Belarus: U.S. Partially Suspends Sanctions

Washington

In response to the U.S. Treasury partially lifting sanctions against nine Belarusian companies, following Belarus’ release of six political prisoners, Freedom House issued the following statement:

“The United States should be cautious in any rapprochement with Belarus while it remains under the authoritarian rule of Aliaksandr Lukashenka,” said Daniel Calingaert, executive vice-president. “The release of political prisoners is Lukashenka’s well-practiced tactic for appeasing foreign critics ahead of presidential elections. There are other clearly-defined conditions that American law requires Belarus to meet, to protect human rights and fundamental freedoms, before the United States seeks closer ties.” 

Background:

The six remaining political prisoners in Belarus were released August 22 after a presidential pardon. In the October 11, 2015 presidential elections, Aliaksandr Lukashenka won his fifth consecutive term in office since 1994, over serious concerns regarding the fairness of the vote. U.S. sanctions against Belarusian officials and companies with government ties have been in place since 2004.

Belarus is rated Not Free in Freedom in the World 2015, Not Free in Freedom of the Press 2015, Not Free in Freedom on the Net 2015, and receives a score of and receives a democracy score of 6.71 on a scale of 1 to 7, with 7 being the worst possible score, in Nations in Transit 2015.