Cyprus blocks plan for European Union sanctions on Belarus officials

European Union foreign ministers failed to impose sanctions on Belarus officials suspected of election fraud or of playing a part in the security crackdown, despite appeals from President Alexander Lukashenko’s main opponent to take courageous action against his regime.

Cyprus, notably, continued to block the sanctions move until similar measures are slapped on Turkey for its disputed energy exploration in the eastern Mediterranean Sea.

EU leaders are now expected to try to break the deadlock when they meet on Thursday.