In front of MEPs, the leading figure of the Belarusian opposition pleaded on Monday for the European Union to take sanctions against 40 people found responsible for the repression in the country.
But the 27 failed to be unanimous on the issue, effectively rejecting the request of the former Belarusian presidential candidate.
She leaves empty-handed.
Coming to Brussels on Monday to plead for the adoption of sanctions against President Lukashenko's regime, Belarusian opponent Svetlana Tikhanovskaïa did not get what she wanted from the 27. Yet she was eloquent and moving during his interventions in front of MEPs.
The leading Belarusian opposition figure even brandished photos illustrating the repression, torture or death of his compatriots opposed to the regime of Alexander Lukashenko.
The union unable to make a decision
"We must recognize the lack of legitimacy of Mr. Lukashenko, demand the release of political prisoners and introduce individual sanctions against all those involved in the falsification of the election and the repression", pleaded the opponent by asking for the support from Brussels.
However, the latter is long overdue, and Member States have not been able to take sanctions against 40 people found responsible for the repression, unanimity being necessary for their adoption.
However, Cyprus still makes its agreement conditional on the adoption of measures to force Turkey to cease its gas drilling in the waters of its economic zone.
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European leaders must decide
"It is regrettable. Despite the promises, Svetlana Tikhanovskaïa will leave with nothing" confided for his part one of the foreign ministers of the 27. It is now up to the European leaders to decide the issue at their summit on Thursday and Friday.
If they fail to do so "then the credibility of the EU will be undermined", also estimated Joseph Borrell, the head of the Union's diplomacy.