Russia, Belarus Decry Western Pressure

The Russian and Belarusian presidents slammed U.S. and EU plans to use economic pressure on Minsk.

In a joint statement issued on Friday, Dmitry Medvedev and Alexander Lukashenko said such measures create trade barriers, impede economic cooperation and affect economic security.

They “hurt productive cooperation and integration on the Eurasian continent.”

“That would have negative consequences, above all for average citizens,” the statement said.

International disagreements can only be overcome through equal and respectful dialog, the presidents said.

In December 2011, more than 200 Belarusian state and government officials were banned from entering the EU and had their bank assets frozen.

A meeting of EU foreign ministers, set for February 27, will consider further sanctions against Belarusian officials, which could affect another 135.

Lukashenko has warned of a tough backlash against any sanctions.

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