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FM: Belarus will do its utmost to minimize impact of sanctions on people

Vladimir Makei. Photo courtesy of TASS

MOSCOW, 18 June (BelTA) - Belarus will do its utmost to minimize the impact of the sanctions imposed by the EU and the United States on people, Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei told the media in Moscow on 18 June, BelTA has learned.

The topic of sanctions has, unfortunately, drawn excessive, hypertrophied attention recently, the minister noted. "But we have to talk about this topic, because our Western partners would not stop and, on the suggestion of self-exiled opposition figures, initiate more and more rounds of sanctions. Another package will be discussed soon," the minister explained.

According to him, the inefficiency of sanctions is also recognized by politicians in the West. In this respect, Vladimir Makei mentioned an interview of former U.S. National Security Adviser John Bolton, where he questioned the efficiency of sanctions. "Some time ago the Kommersant newspaper published the opinions of a number of U.S. ambassadors, who also spoke against sanctions. Even those who supported sanctions, insisted on keeping the door open for dialogue," the minister said.

"We are categorically against sanctions. Recently, unfortunately, politicians in the West have shown a lowered level of political responsibility and literacy. They assumed the right to say what is right and what is wrong, to promote ‘lofty values’ and force everyone to comply with these ‘values’,” the minister said. He said that every nation is unique and the world is diverse and recommended such politicians to accept the idea that the world does not go round by their will and desire. “I believe that democratic totalitarianism is even more dangerous than the communist one. It is important to pause, assess the situation and think whether sanctions will help resolve an issue, whether, in our case, they will lead to peace in and around Belarus,” said Vladimir Makei.

He once again stressed that Belarus is adamantly opposed to such a method of pressure as sanctions. However, Belarus has prepared a package of measures in response. “We will hold out. We have developed a package of retaliation measures, keeping in mind that Belarus is not alone, the country has allies and partners who are ready to support us. We will hold out, bu t where will the European Union be and where will its interests lie?” Vladimir Makei said.

“I would urge not to worry about sanctions. We understand that they will create certain difficulties for Belarus, but believe me, the Belarusian president and the government will do their utmost to make sure that this difficult period does not cause much trouble to people,” Vladimir Makei stressed.

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