Europe ends sanctions on Belarus, seeks better ties
The European Union ended five years of sanctions against Belarus and its authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko on February 15, citing improving human rights as the bloc seeks more friends in Russia's back yard.
The sanctions -- on 170 people, including Lukashenko, and three companies -- were already lifted for four months at the end of October in a gesture to Lukashenko.
Decision on February 15 means they will end definitively on March 1.
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In its statement, the European Union offered to help Belarus economically and with trade preferences, also aiding its bid to join the World Trade Organization.
Belarussian companies will be eligible for financing from the European Investment Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
