Shautsou: European Union is likely to impose sanctions

Political scientist Yury Shautsou has commented on the likelihood of EU’s economic sanctions for Belarus in a live interview with Euroradio. 

Euroradio: How real are European Union’s economic sanctions for Belarus?

Shautsou: “The sanctions are likely to be imposed because Europe has decided that certain targeted economic sanctions are required. It has never happened before and it is a crucial decision. That is why I think that it will come into power today”.

Euroradio: How big will the list of enterprises be and what enterprises will be added on it?

Shautsou: “There were some “leaks” in mass media. They usually mentioned “Belneftehim”, our potassium producers, “Triple” and others”.

Euroradio: If the sanctions are imposed, will it be possible to return Belarus-EU relations to the level they were at a year or two ago?

Shautsou: “Of course, it will. The current situation is an ordinary political conflict the political history of humankind is based on. Something better always follows conflicts. That is why our relations will certainly improve someday”.

Euroradio: Who will take the first step – Belarus or the European Union?

Shautsou: “Belarus will. As they say, the ball is on our side. The sanctions are a response to the trials of people who took part in Dec.19 events. As soon as the problem is solved, and it can be solved by granting a presidential pardon to the convicts, the reason for the sanctions will be no longer relevant”.

 

Photo by — belsat.eu