The European Union extended sanctions against Belarus for another year

The European Union extended a number of restrictive measures for Belarus for another year. This is stated in a press release from the EU Council.

"The Council decided to extend restrictive measures against Belarus for another year, until February 28, 2019. These measures include an embargo for the supply of weapons and freezing assets, as well as a ban on traveling to four persons included in connection with unexplored disappearance of two opposition politicians, one businessman and one journalist," the message said.

For the first time, sanctions against Belarus were imposed in 2004 in connection with violations of human rights in the country. In 2011, the EU imposed visa sanctions against Belarusian officials . In 2012, the sanctions were expanded. In total , more than 200 people were included in the Black Lists. The unawares were announced by those whom the EU leadership was considered responsible for violations in the presidential election in Belarus, arrests and criminal prosecution of Belarusian oppositionists. President Alexander Lukashenko was under the sanctions.

On August 22, 2015, Lukashenko pardoned all political prisoners , at that time serving the deadlines for the court sentence. In response on October 29, 2015, the EU suspended sanctions against the Belarusian president, as well as another 169 citizens of the country and three Belarusian enterprises. In February 2016, restrictions were completely removed . Only four Belarusian officials remain under the sanctions, the names of which are not disclosed.