The arbitrary use of sanctions as a means of political pressure should be eradicated once and for all, Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei said as he addressed the 76th session of the UN General Assembly. “The arbitrary use of financial and economic sanctions as a means of political pressure should be rooted out once and for all. And this should also become one of the areas of activity for the UN,” the foreign minister said. He called unilateral restrictive measures one of the favorite tools of Western states:

(soundbite)

Without trying to get to the bottom of the processes taking place in this or that country, irresponsible politicians, probably due to a lack of imagination, immediate grab the sharpened ax of sanctions that is always on standby if they do not like something. The disastrous consequences of such a policy have long been known: the use of unilateral restrictions grossly violates international law and causes irreparable harm to the entire system of international relations, builds up the conflict potential and contributes to hostility in interstate relations.

It is ordinary citizens that find themselves on the receiving end of unilateral sanctions. Restrictions in trade, currency, banking and transport sectors negatively affect the living standards of people, private initiative, reduce educational opportunities, and pose a threat to food security. Unilateral sectoral sanctions against big states - exporters of vital raw materials used in agriculture, including potash fertilizers, do not only lead to the shortage of these valuable products in the global market, significantly inflating prices, but also pose a direct threat to ordinary people in vulnerable countries.

On behalf of Belarus, he expressed solidarity with other countries targeted by sanctions. “We stand in solidarity with the brotherly people of Cuba who have been living in an unfair economic blockade for so many years due to the voluntarist policy of one state,” the foreign minister said.