Belarus opposition appeal to EU fails to unblock sanctions

Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya attends a news conference, as she is in Brussels to meet European Union foreign ministers and EU lawmakers, in Brussels, Belgium September 21, 2020. REUTERS/Francois Lenoir

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - European Union foreign ministers failed to overcome a diplomatic standoff over Belarus on Monday despite an appeal by the country's main opposition leader to approve sanctions on officials accused of rigging the election last month.

Belarus opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya travelled to Brussels to try to convince the EU to follow through on its threat to impose sanctions on some 40 Belarusian officials over the disputed Aug. 9 vote.