Details emerge on US decision to partially lift sanctions on Belarus airline

The US Department of Commerce has further clarified which sanctions remain in place against the Belarusian national flag carrier Belavia following the easing of sanctions this week.

The Bureau of Industry and Security within the US department has removed eight Belavia aircraft from its sanctioned list, Caliber.Az reports citing Belarus media.

The authorizing letter, which was originally published on September 12, also authorizes the service, maintenance, repair, overhaul, or refurbishing of such aircraft.

The agency clarified, however, that the easing of limitations does not extend to flights to Cuba, Iran, Syria, North Korea, or Russia (including to destinations in occupied Crimea or occupied territories in Eastern Ukraine). The clarification notes that "such flights may be permitted under a license or as part of exceptions to licensing requirements."

In addition, the ban remains in place on the airline transporting goods prohibited under the US Export Administration Regulations (EAR).

The initial decision to lift several sanctions off Belavia was made following a meeting between US White House representative John Cole with Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko in Minsk on September 11.

By Nazrin Sadigova