Belarus extends list of individuals barred from entering country

MINSK. Dec 6 (Interfax) – Minsk has extended its lists of individuals whose entry it sees as undesirable to those from countries that discriminate against the Belarusian authorities, the Belarusian Foreign Ministry said on Monday.

"The lists of individuals whose entry into the territory of the Republic of Belarus and the Union State is undesirable have been extended to include individuals from countries that systemically discriminate against Belarusian officials, journalists, and members of non-governmental organizations," the Foreign Ministry said.

Among the most efficient measures to oppose the West’s pressure and strengthen the country’s economic security, the ministry listed the continued "implementation of union programs and the strengthening of economic integration with the Russian Federation, as well as building durable trade-economic ties with partners from the EAEU [Eurasian Economic Union] countries of the remote arc."

The ministry also mentioned "a number of other non-public steps."

"These measures are retaliatory and might be lifted if the countries and groups of countries affected by them denounce the flawed logic dating back to the Cold War, return to a path of constructive cooperation in the interests of preserving peace and stability on the European continent, and fully implement their international obligations. Belarus stands ready to settle any disagreements through mutually respectful dialogue and taking into account the parties’ interests," it said.