Cablegate: Canada Takes Economic Action Against Belarus

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UNCLAS OTTAWA 003632

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR WHA/CAN, EB/IFD AND EUR/UMB

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ECON ETRD PREL PHUM CA BO
SUBJECT: CANADA TAKES ECONOMIC ACTION AGAINST BELARUS

1. (U) On December 18, Foreign Minister MacKay and
International Trade Minister Emerson announced that Canada is
taking new measures against Belarus by limiting Canadian
exports to that country. "Canada remains very concerned that
Belarus continues to ignore international appeals to restore
democracy," said the Foreign Minister. "From a flawed
election to the continued imprisonment of democratic
supporters, Belarus persists in its flagrant abuse of human
rights and the rule of law. Canada and the international
community must keep pressure on Belarus to improve conditions
for its people." Minister Emerson said that "it is Canada's
hope that economic pressure in the form of export
restrictions will help bring about positive change in
Belarus."

2. (U) Adding Belarus to the Area Control List means that all
exports from Canada to Belarus require an export permit
issued under the authority of the Export and Import Permits
Act. Canada announced its intention to consider this action
in July and took into account the views of affected parties
during the consultation period. All applications for permits
to export items to Belarus will be reviewed on a case-by-case
basis. Permits for humanitarian items-- including food,
clothing, medicine, medical supplies, information material,
casual gifts and personal effects of persons going to Belarus
from Canada -- will generally be approved Permits for other
items will generally be denied.

3. (U) Comment: Given the low level of Canadian exports to
Belarus, this measure is largely symbolic. As was the case
when the GoC refused in April to grant landing and refueling
privileges to a plane carrying Belarus Prime Minister
Sidorsky, this latest step is calculated to demonstrate
Canada's concern over the human rights situation in Belarus.
End comment.

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