The Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers has suspended all relations with Belarus for its active participation in Russia's war against Ukraine, the inter-governmental organisation announce Thursday.
Belarus will no longer be able to participate in any meetings, activities or partial agreements of the council, Anadolu Agency quoted the statement.
The action came a day after the committee suspended the Russian Federation's membership for its aggression against Ukraine.
The committee also decided to cease all technical co-operation with Minsk and only maintain relations with Belarusian civil society and the opposition in exile, independent media, and human rights activists.
The Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers has suspended all relations with Belarus for its active participation in Russia's war against Ukraine, the inter-governmental organisation announced Thursday.
Belarus will no longer be able to participate in any meetings, activities or partial agreements of the council, Anadolu Agency quoted the statement.
The action came a day after the committee suspended the Russian Federation's membership for its aggression against Ukraine.
The committee also decided to cease all technical co-operation with Minsk and only maintain relations with Belarusian civil society and the opposition in exile, independent media, and human rights activists.
Belarus, Kazakhstan and Vatican City are among the only European countries to have not acceded to the Strasbourg-based council, which has a membership of 47 countries.
Minsk is, however, a state party to 12 legal instruments of the council, including in the areas of good governance, the fight against corruption, human trafficking, culture, education and sports.
The council follows stringent rules for membership, requiring a total commitment from prospective members towards human rights, principles of democracy, rule of law and fundamental freedoms.
Belarus has been refused full membership as it continues to enforce the death penalty and limit democratic freedoms.
Ukrainian authorities have claimed that Belarusian troops have joined Russia's assault and the country was facing shelling from its northern border.
The European Union and the United States have imposed sanctions against Minsk for being a co-aggressor and aiding Russia in the war. Belarus has also hosted negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow.