GOB THREATENS UNSPECIFIED RECIPROCAL MEASURES IN REACTION

UNCLAS MINSK 000692 SIPDIS FRANKFURT FOR RCO RUSSEL BROWN DEPT FOR EUR/UMB DEPT FOR CA/VO/F/P ABBEY RATHWEG SIPDIS SENSITIVE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL PHUM CVIS BO SUBJECT: GOB THREATENS UNSPECIFIED RECIPROCAL MEASURES IN REACTION TO EXPANDED TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS REF: A. STATE 108438 ¶B. 06 STATE 103509 Summary -------------- ¶1. (SBU) In an August 9 meeting, the MFA protested to Ambassador the expansion of categories of persons considered subject to travel restrictions under Presidential Proclamation 8015. The Ambassador reviewed the policy behind the expansion and reminded the GOB that it could hardly be described as unexpected. End summary. MFA Threatens Unspecified Reciprocal Measures -------------- ¶2. (SBU) The Ambassador, DCM and Consul met with the head of the MFA's Americas and Canada desk Sergey Sergeyev to receive the reaction of the GOB to the expansion of categories of persons subject to special review procedures required by Presidential Proclamation 8015 (ref A) at Sergeyev's request. Echoing his initial reactions to the new U.S. policy voiced to the DCM on August 7, Sergeyev characterized the travel restrictions as counterproductive, anachroistic in today's global society, and detrimentalto bilateral relations. He criticized in particulr the inclusion of state-owned enterprises and la enforcement agencies, stating that this would dmage trade relations and limit cooperation in cobating terrorism and organized crime. Sergeyev cocluded that in response to such a unilateral mov by the USG, the GOB would take appropriate recipocal measures, but did not specify the form of sch measures. ¶3. (SBU) The Ambassador replied b reviewing the policy behind the expansion, drawng from the language of the Presidential Proclamtion (ref B). She pointed out that EUR DAS David Kamer, during his April visit, discussed the possbility of further sanctions (both expanded trave restrictions and economic sanctions) unless theGOB made specific meaningful improvements in the aea of democracy and human rights, including the rlease of all political prisoners. At that time,Kramer outlined the potential for the expansion of both travel restrictions as well as financial sanctions against Belarusian entities in the United States. Ambassador informed Sergeyev that the expansion of financial sanctions is still under consideration in Washington. ¶4. (SBU) Sergeyev did not elaborate on what measures the GOB intends to take in response. In a subsequent discussion on other topics August 10, Sergeyev complained that the GOB had not been given prior notice of the expanded travel restrictions. DCM reminded Sergeyev that we have made clear to the Belarusians in both Minsk and Washington on several occasions after DAS Kramer's visit that failing the release of all political prisoners and other steps further sanctions would be a result. As in our August 9 meeting, Sergeyev did not offer any indication of what the GOB's "reciprocal measures" would be or when they would be announced. MOORE