OREANDA-NEWS. June 28, 2011. The European Union has decided to freeze the assets of three companies “linked to the [Belarusian] regime” and decided to impose an embargo on Belarus on arms and on materials that might be used for internal repression. The decision was made by the Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Luxembourg.

“In view of recent developments, the Council has also decided to designate additional persons to travel restrictions and assets freeze.”

The Council did not specify the companies, though.

“The Council agrees that the extension of European Investment Bank operations to Belarus should only proceed if and when the EU is able to give a sufficiently positive assessment of the human rights and rule of law situation.”

“The Council welcomes the outcome of the recent European Bank for Reconstruction and Development Country Strategy Update, which implies a recalibrating of EBRD assistance away from the Belarusian central authorities in favour of non-state and local actors implementing projects in areas which benefit the population at large.”

“The Council expresses its hope for conditions to be re-established in Belarus that would allow the country to enjoy the full benefits of EIB and EBRD support.”