The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus has reacted to the US decision to reintroduce anti-Belarusian sanctions

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus has issued a statement in connection with the US decision to resume anti-Belarusian sanctions, according to BELTA.

"We regret the decision of the American side to resume sanctions against the Belneftekhim concern and its constituent enterprises. This step, whatever rhetoric it may be veiled in, is actually aimed at worsening the material well-being of Belarusian citizens and reducing the economic potential of our country – one of the pillars of Belarusian independence. Such actions unequivocally demonstrate what a "free and independent Belarus" the American administration is actually advocating for," the statement reads.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that against the backdrop of serious internal problems that are widely discussed today, the new US administration is "bending over backwards" to demonstrate its toughness and pseudo-principledness to someone. "The interests of business, ordinary Belarusians or Americans, security and stability in the region and the world are of no importance to Washington in this process. Perhaps because our region will have to pay for the consequences of such irresponsible actions independently again," the Belarusian foreign ministry pointed out.

It was also emphasized that sovereignty and independence are immutable values for the Belarusian people: "It is high time for the American side to understand that there will be no compromise on these issues. The Republic of Belarus is a country that can stand up for itself, does not accept coercion, is not governed from outside, and is not susceptible to sanctions and restrictions. Accepting these simple truths will help resolve mutual problems."

"As has happened before, the Republic of Belarus will make every effort, including at the international level, to protect the well-being of thousands of enterprise employees and our citizens from these destructive US measures. We reserve an asymmetric response for the American side as well," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated. "In light of recent events and the information voiced, the haste with which the US made this decision also raises serious questions. We emphasize that any progress in bilateral relations is possible only as a result of a mutually respectful dialogue, to which, as before, the Belarusian side is ready."

BELTA