The so-called political prisoners committed certain crimes and law infringements, Belarusian Foreign Minster said in response to a question regarding political prisoners and relations with the EU.

“Development of ties with the EU is in the interests of Belarus. Our country is a major trading partner of the EU. Moreover, it implements uninterrupted transit of goods through its territory. 70 % of oil and 20 % of gas passes from Russia through territory of Belarus. The countries also cooperate in the fields of struggle against illegal migration and drug trafficking,” Sergei Martynov said, adding that policy of coercion and sanctions is unacceptable to Belarus.

“Minsk stands for conflict de-escalation and pursues relevant activity in that direction,” the official said.