A European agreement to sanction Belarusian officials. The European Union gave the green light on Friday (August 14th) to sanction those behind the repression carried out in Belarus after the contested re-election of President Alexander Lukashenko, several European officials told AFP.

"The foreign ministers have given their agreement to sanction those responsible for the repression and a list of names will be drawn up," the same source said, while the video conference bringing together the foreign ministers continues.

Several European leaders had already indicated that they wanted to take this path. Germany, which holds the six-monthly presidency of EU meetings, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, had called for sanctions for those guilty of human rights violations.

The head of Lithuanian diplomacy, Linas Linkevicius, questioned by AFP, had expressed the same will: "I will propose to apply individual sanctions to the officials and politicians directly responsible for the excessive use of force against peaceful protesters, and also election falsification. "

Lithuania welcomed Belarusian opponent Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, forced into exile after contesting the victory of Alexander Lukashenko. She called on Friday for "peaceful protests" in her country.

Minsk, for its part, said it was ready on Friday for a "constructive dialogue" with the foreigner and began to release hundreds of people arrested since Monday. Many demonstrators denounced the extreme brutality of the repression of power.

Poland and Lithuania to the aid of opponents

The Polish government has earmarked an envelope of 11 million euros to help Belarusians obtain visas and finance their installation in Poland and to support independent media and non-governmental organizations in Belarus, announced on Friday to Parliament. Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki.

There are also scholarships for Belarusians continuing their studies at Polish universities.

Lithuania for its part offered to treat Belarusian demonstrators injured during the demonstrations and suggested the establishment of a European Union fund to help "the victims of repression".

With AFP

The summary of the week France 24 invites you to come back to the news that marked the week

I subscribe

Take international news everywhere with you! Download the France 24 application

google-play-badge_FR