The European Union might lift its visa ban from Belarusian Foreign Minister Uladzimir Makey.
The EU is contemplating the possibility because “minimal” channels of communications are crucial for developing bilateral relations, Polish Deputy Foreign Minister Jerzy Pomianowski said.
Minsk is still expected to release the political prisoners, Mr Pomianowski said. When asked whether talks on this subject were under way, he replied, “Maybe.”
As for the Belarusian government’s application for another loan from the International Monetary Fund, there is a clear understanding in the EU that it should be rejected, Jerzy Pomianowski said. Financial institutions will not provide loans to Minsk not only that people in Belarus are in prison for political reasons but also that the IMF’s assessment of the economic situation in the country is negative, he stressed.
Since 2011 Uladzimir Makey has been on the list of persons taking responsibility for human rights abuse and repressions against opposition and civil society in Belarus. Those on the list are subject to a travel ban and a freeze of their assets within the European Union.
In his position Makey followed Siarhei Martynau, who was released from his duties inconnection with “his transferring to other work”. The latter was not included in the black list.
Belsat/BelaPAN
