MFA spokesman comments on call by MEPs to broaden sanctions against Belarus

MINSK, 16 March (BelTA) – Press Secretary of the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Anatoly Glaz has commented on the call by the European Parliament members to broaden sanctions against Belarus, BelTA learned from the ministry.

“Members of the European Parliament, a structure that bogged down in corruption scandals, should deal with the problems of their region, which are many. They can start with meetings with their population and voters, if they are so out of touch with reality that they cannot see the beam in their own eyes. If they do not have enough competencies, I am sure, our parliamentarians will be willing to share their expertise and knowledge in a constructive manner,” the spokesman said.

Anatoly Glaz has no doubts that meetings with people will be eye-opening for MEPs.

This said, Belarus is ready to embark on a dialogue, but this dialogue should be equal and mutually respectful. “We are always open about it. It would be better for MEPs to think about ways to promote mutually beneficial cooperation between economic entities of our countries, to eradicate indiscriminate restrictions of the basic right to freedom of movement of citizens of the EU and Belarus, as well as to address other really pressing issues,” Anatoly Glaz said.

He reiterated that unilateral restrictions or sanctions are illegal: “It is obvious for every sensible person that this is an instrument of pressure that violates the basic rights of people of sovereign countries that found themselves on the receiving end of these measures. Time has shown that we are able to effectively protect our citizens from European attempts to harm them.”

The policy of the European structures that are choosing coercion against an independent country over a mutually respectful dialogue is a dead end, Anatoly Glaz said.

“It is sad that the European Parliament does not have an independent position in this regard. We are aware that these groundless labels and calls are the fulfillment of someone's political or economic order. This is how we see this,” Anatoly Glaz emphasized.

He recalled that next week Belarus will mark 80 years since the tragedy in Khatyn. This anniversary is truly tragic for the country and is symbolic for the entire European region. “We will see what statement MEPs will make on this occasion,” he said.