WASHINGTON – The White House yesterday announced that it will impose sanctions on Belarus after the latter diverted a European flight and arrested a dissident on board.
Press secretary Jen Psaki, in a statement outlining the punitive measures, called the May 23 Ryanair flight diversion and arrest of Belarus opposition journalist and activist Roman Protasevich “a direct affront to international norms”.
In addition to measures already announced in recent weeks, Washington said it is working with the European Union on a list of targeted sanctions against key members of the regime of strongman President Alexander Lukashenko.
Economic sanctions against nine Belarusian state-owned enterprises, reimposed last month following a crackdown on pro-democracy protests, will come into effect on June 3.
Additionally, “the Treasury Department will develop for the president’s review a new executive order that will provide the US with increased authorities to impose sanctions on elements” of the regime, and “those that support corruption, the abuse of human rights, and attacks on democracy”, said Psaki.
Western outcry over Belarus’ move to divert the plane – by scrambling a military jet – has seen the EU urging bloc-based carriers to avoid Belarusian airspace.
In addition to the sanctions, the White House also issued a “do not travel” warning for Belarus to US citizens, and warned US passenger planes to “exercise extreme caution” if considering flying in Belarusian airspace.
The White House confirmed that the US Justice Department, including the FBI, is investigating the incident in cooperation with European counterparts.
Psaki called on Lukashenko to “allow a credible international investigation into the events of May 23, immediately release all political prisoners, and enter into a comprehensive and genuine political dialogue with the leaders of the democratic opposition and civil society groups”, leading to a free and fair presidential election. – AFP, May 29, 2021
