Introductory text
United Kingdom
Council Implementing Decision (CFSP) 2020/1388
of 2 October 2020
implementing Decision 2012/642/CFSP concerning restrictive measures against Belarus
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Article 31(2) thereof,
Having regard to Council Decision 2012/642/CFSP of 15 October 2012 concerning restrictive measures against Belarusf1, and in particular Article 6(1) thereof,
Having regard to the proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,
Whereas:
(1)
On 15 October 2012, the Council adopted Decision 2012/642/CFSP concerning restrictive measures against Belarus.
(2)
On 9 August 2020, Belarus conducted presidential elections, which were found to be inconsistent with international standards and marred by the repression of independent candidates and a brutal crackdown on peaceful protesters in the wake of the elections. On 11 August 2020, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy issued a declaration on behalf of the Union, assessing that the elections were neither free nor fair. It was also stated that measures against those responsible for violence, unjustified arrests and falsification of election results could be taken.
(3)
In view of the gravity of the situation in Belarus, 40 persons should be included in the list of persons and entities subject to restrictive measures set out in the Annex to Decision 2012/642/CFSP.
(4)
The Annex to Decision 2012/642/CFSP should therefore be amended accordingly,
HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: