Visa sanctions, imposed on a number of Belarusian officials by the European Union in February, were supported by another nine European countries outside the EU. This was stated by the press service of the EU High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy Catherine Ashton on March 3.
The countries, decided to ban entry for representatives of the Belarusian authorities, are as follows — Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, Croatia and Montenegro.
Catherine Ashton on behalf of the EU welcomed the decision of these countries’ authorities.
As Telegraf previously reported, EU visa sanctions in respect of certain officials of Belarus have bacome valid since February 2. The European Community has restricted some Belarusian authorities, involved in «political repression» after the announcement of presidential election results, to enter the EU. The list of banned includes 158 people. Meanwhile, representatives of the Belarusian opposition and civil activists have come out with a proposal to expand the list.
At the same time the EU starts talks on visa facilitation and readmission for the citizens of Belarus. The European Commission was mandated to negotiate with the official Minsk. A simplified visa regime is planned not to affect the holders of diplomatic and service passports as well as nationals, the EU imposed sanctions on in January 2011.
