Belarus enacts law to retaliate against “unfriendly” foreign states and citizens

July 20, BPN. Alaksandar Łukašenka on July 12 signed into law a bill on “special restrictive measures” against “unfriendly” foreign states and citizens to protect national interests, independence and stability, the National Legal Portal has said.

The measures include “suspension of obligations under foreign trade agreements (a moratorium)” as well as bans on financial transactions and imports of goods and services. However, food and other goods “essential” to Belarus and humanitarian aid will not be affected.

The United States and its allies have imposed sanctions on Belarus because they disagree with how the government there treats its people and its neighbors.

The Belarusian authorities consider it to be a hostile move.

Last month, Minsk extended a ban on the import of certain types of agricultural and food products from “unfriendly states” until the end of the year. It has been in effect since the start of 2022.