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Germany Calling for EU Sanctions on Belarusian President

VOA News

   Germany is calling for European Union sanctions on Belarus President
   Alexander Lukashenko.

   Speaking to reporters ahead of a meeting of EU foreign policy chiefs in
   Luxemburg, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said that renewed
   violence against protesters in Minsk could not be ignored.

   "The violence continues, perpetrated by the Lukashenko regime - there
   are still arrests of peaceful demonstrators, so we have to consider how
   to proceed," Maas, whose country holds the EU's rotating presidency,
   said.

   "I have suggested that we establish a new package of sanctions. And
   Lukashenko should be among the people who will then be sanctioned,"
   Maas said.

   The EU has imposed travel bans and asset freezes on 40 Lukashenko
   allies, but held back from including Lukashenko in the list.

   Dozens of protesters in Belarus were arrested Sunday during the 10th
   straight weekend of demonstrations against Lukashenko.

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