The United States has removed the Belarusian airline Biela and 3 related companies from the list of sanctions. This is the consequence of a September agreement with the leader of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko, which led to the release of 52 political prisoners, including 3 Poles.
The U.S. Office for abroad Asset Control (OFAC) besides removed Bombardier CRJ-200ER EW-301PJ aircraft from the regulation list, considered property of the Belarusian leader's family. In addition, OFAC issued a transaction licence for 3 another aircraft utilized by Lukashenka and Slavkalij related to the Belarusian authorities.
Sanctions against Biela were imposed in mid-2022, following a full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia. However, their abolition caused criticism from the Belarusian opposition.
Controversy around Decision
The leader of the Belarusian opposition Swiatlan Cichanouska warned that Washington's decision could have unintended consequences. According to her, “this movement can be beneficial to Russia, due to the fact that it will enable it to acquisition spare parts through the Belarusian carrier”.
John Coale, an envoy of Donald Trump, who negotiated a September deal with Lukashenko, declared that Washington's goal was to normalize relations with Belarus and free all political prisoners. This process is to take “months, not years”. Coale besides assessed that Europe could abolish the sanctions imposed on Belarus.
Note: This article was created utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI).
