Czech Republic helps initiate sanctions against Lukashenko regime

The Czech Republic within the European Union has helped put forward a plan for sanctions against the Lukashenko regime in Belarus. The plan - initiated by Czech Foreign Minister Cyril Svoboda - was been discussed at the EU summit in Brussels on Friday. Sanctions are in reaction to last weekend's elections in Belarus, widely considered flawed. On Thursday night between 300-500 opposition demonstrators protesting Mr Lukashenko's re-election, were confronted by police officers. The exact form of sanctions against Belarus has not yet been agreed, but is expected to include travel restrictions and financial penalties.

Sanctions may also include a travel ban for Belarus' strong-arm president.