The United States intends to reinstate previously canceled unilateral sanctions against nine state-owned enterprises in Belarus
This was announced by State Department spokesman Ned Price.
“The State Department is not in a position to recommend another extension of the suspension of these restrictions. Especially in light of the view of Congress as expressed in the Belarusian Sovereignty and Democracy Sanctions Act of 2020. The current extension of the suspension of these restrictions will expire on 26 April”, – said the diplomat.
The companies in question are Belarusian Oil Trading House, Belneftekhim and its U.S. subsidiary Belshina, Grodno Azot, Grodno Khimvolokno, Lakokraska, Naftan and Polotsk Fiberglass. The US imposed sanctions on Belarus in 2006, but in October 2015, these restrictive measures against a number of Belarusian companies were partially suspended. The decision has been repeatedly extended by the US government throughout the last few years under various US presidents.
Price recalled that “the Treasury Department issued a general licence in 2015, which has been regularly renewed thereafter”, to the said nine Belarusian companies to do business with the US side.
“We took this step because of the noticeable progress in the area of human rights and, specifically, the release of all political prisoners at that time,” the diplomat said.