Obama extends Belarus sanctions, national emergency
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 14 June 2013 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Obama extends Belarus sanctions, national emergency, 14 June 2013, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/51d6cadc35.html [accessed 27 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
June 14, 2013
By RFE/RL
Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka
WASHINGTON – U.S. President Barack Obama has extended for one year the U.S. national emergency with respect to Belarus.
The move prolongs U.S. sanctions against authoritarian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka and members of his regime.
The national emergency, first declared in 2006 by President George W. Bush, says Belarus is a threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States.
A new White House statement says that, in 2012, the government of Belarus continued its crackdown against political opposition, civil society, and independent media.
It said Belarus's September 23 elections failed to meet international standards and that authorities arbitrarily detained and imprisoned citizens for criticizing officials or for participating in demonstrations.
It said these actions show that Belarus has not taken steps toward democratic governance and respect for human rights.
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
