In Brussels, Belarus Opposition Urges EU to Move on Sanctions

Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya meets with European Parliament President David Sassoli, in Brussels, on Sept. 21, 2020. Johanna Geron/Reuters

BRUSSELS—The main opposition leader of Belarus urged the European Union on Monday to approve sanctions on officials accused of rigging the presidential election last month, traveling to Brussels to tell the bloc’s foreign ministers to show courage.

Despite a sixth straight weekend of mass protests against President Alexander Lukashenko over the disputed Aug. 9 vote, the EU has yet to follow through on a threat to impose sanctions on a list of some 40 Belarusian officials.

Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya attends a news conference, as she is in Brussels to meet European Union foreign ministers and EU lawmakers, in Brussels, on Sept. 21, 2020. Francois Lenoir/Reuters

“EU leaders have reasons not to push sanctions but I asked them to be more brave,” Belarus opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who fled to Lithuania after the election, told reporters after meeting foreign ministers.

“Sanctions are important in our fight because it’s part of pressure that could force the so-called authorities to start dialogue with us in the opposition council.”

French Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian arrives at the Residence Palace ahead of an informal breakfast with EU foreign ministers and Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya in Brussels, on Sept. 21, 2020. Stephanie Lecocq/Reuters

The EU said in late August it would impose asset freezes and travel bans on Belarusian officials. But sanctions require agreement among all 27 member states, and the Belarus issue has become entangled in a debate over separate sanctions against Turkey, sought by Cyprus in a dispute over energy resources.

Cyprus says it supports sanctions on Belarus but wants the bloc to act over Turkey as well.

European High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell and Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya chat ahead of an informal breakfast with EU foreign ministers in Brussels, on Sept. 21, 2020. Stephanie Lecocq/Reuters

“Our reaction to any kind of violation of our core, basic values, and principles cannot be a la carte. It needs to be consistent,” Foreign Minister Nikos Christodoulides said.

EU leaders will discuss the Cyprus issue on Thursday at a summit. EU diplomats say Germany is concerned sanctions would undermine diplomatic progress in easing tension with Ankara.

Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya shows a picture next to European High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell and German Minister of Foreign Affairs Heiko Maas during an informal breakfast with EU foreign ministers in Brussels, on Sept. 21, 2020. Stephanie Lecocq/Reuters

Lithuania’s Foreign Minister Linas Linkevicius, one of the strongest advocates for Belarus sanctions, said he hoped other EU countries “will not keep the European Union in limbo and will not take (it) hostage”.

Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya speaks during a news conference with European Parliament President David Sassoli (not pictured), in Brussels, on Sept. 21, 2020. Johanna Geron/Reuters

The presidents of Lithuania, Poland, and Romania said on Monday they will ask EU leaders at this week’s summit to offer an economic support package for Belarus if it holds a democratic election. That would include a favorable trade regime with the EU, visa-free travel, and support as a candidate for the World Trade Organization.

By Gabriela Baczynska and Robin Emmott