Two EU Countries Oppose Belarus Hockey World Cup Ban

The EU is considering tougher sanctions against Belarusian officials. However, two EU member state considers that the restrictions should not touch the conduct of Belarus Ice Hockey World Championship in 2014, because "such things should be left up to the sports authorities not to governments." This was stated by Latvia and Finland.

Meanwhile, a recent European Parliament proposal to make the International Ice-Hockey Federation (IIHF) in Switzerland pull the 2014 world cup finals in Minsk is getting some traction, EUobserver.

Thus, it is supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania and Switzerland. «A possible stop of the hockey championship is being examined,» foreign ministry spokesman Georg Farago said.