Obama sings act envisaging new sanctions against BelarusJanuary 4, 2012 - 12:35 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - U.S. President Barack Obama signed into law the Belarus Democracy and Human Rights Act of 2011, which envisions new sanctions against Belarus, White House spokesman Jay Carney said. According to RIA Novosti, the bill, approved by the Senate in mid-December, expands the list of Belarusian officials and law enforcement officers that will face visa restrictions and financial sanctions. It also calls for on the International Ice Hockey Federation to “suspend its plan to hold the 2014 International World Ice Hockey championship in Minsk until the government of Belarus releases all political prisoners.” The act expands earlier adopted acts on democracy in the former Soviet republic, ruled by Alexander Lukashenko, dubbed “Europe’s last dictator” by the West. The signed bill states that it is the policy of the United States to “remain open to reevaluating its policy toward Belarus as warranted by demonstrable progress made by the government of Belarus.” Belarusian police beat and arrested hundreds of demonstrators, who attempted to storm the Belarusian government headquarters in protest against Lukashenko's re-election after the December 19, 2010 vote. The United States and European Union condemned the crackdown and imposed sanctions against Lukashenko, who has ruled the former Soviet republic since 1994. A number of opposition activists were sentenced to jail terms of up to four years. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Government reveals details from Pashinyan’s meeting in border village Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has met with a group of residents of a border village in Armenia’s northern Tavush province Narek Manasyan wins European Boxing Championships silver for Armenia Armenia’s Narek Manasyan (92kg) won Armenia’s second silver medal at the European Boxing Championships 2024 on April 28. Blinken urges Azerbaijan to continue negotiations with Armenia Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken has urged Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to continue negotiations with Armenia. Pashinyan, Blinken talk Armenia-U.S. ties over the phone Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on April 28, Pashinyan’s office reports. |