On March 21, Minsk /BelTA correspondent/. Belarus has prepared and is already implementing retaliatory measures in response to the EU's decision on sanctions against Belarusian officials, which will affect more than 150 individuals from the European Union and the USA, reports Interfax-West agency, citing a source in government circles. "The retaliatory measures will affect more than 150 individuals from the EU countries and the USA, including the Chairman of the European Parliament Jerzy Buzek, Member of the European Parliament Jacek Protasiewicz, and a number of other politicians, parliamentarians, and journalists who have become known for the most odious initiatives against Belarus," the source noted. He stated that "restrictions on issuing entry visas have already been imposed on a number of individuals who are most biased and destructive towards the Republic of Belarus and who played a leading role in escalating the crisis in relations between Belarus and the West." Belarus does not intend to limit itself to visa sanctions alone and has developed a number of other retaliatory measures. "It is possible that they will affect issues of cross-border cooperation, and the activities of certain foreign foundations and non-governmental organizations on the territory of Belarus," the agency's source said. At the same time, the measures taken will be rather proportional and differentiated, rather than mirror-like, in relation to the EU and US sanctions. As reported, on January 31, the Council of the EU imposed visa sanctions against 157 Belarusian officials, headed by President Alexander Lukashenko. It is expected that today the foreign ministers of the EU countries will make a decision to expand the list of Belarusian officials banned from entering the EU. -0-

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