A man waves an old Belarusian national flag during a protest against the results of the country's presidential election in Minsk, Belarus, Aug 13, 2020. (SERGEI GRITS/AP)

BRUSSELS - The European Union on Friday took the first step to impose new sanctions on Belarus over a disputed election last Sunday and a crackdown on protests that followed, instructing its foreign policy arm to prepare a blacklist of responsible individuals.

President Alexander Lukashenko claimed victory but now faces the biggest challenge to his 26-year rule, with tens of thousands protesting for a sixth day running on Friday and opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya calling for a recount of the votes.

“EU will now initiate a process of sanctions against those responsible for the violence, arrests and fraud in connection with the election,” Sweden’s Foreign Minister Ann Linde said after emergency talks among all her EU peers on Friday.

Spokesman Stephane Dujarric said the United Nations welcomed the reported release of some of the detainees on Thursday night and urged this to continue

The EU first imposed sanctions on Belarus in 2004. 

Lukashenko denies electoral fraud. His government freed many detained demonstrators on Friday.

The new sanctions on Belarus would come in the form of visa bans and the freezing of any assets held in the EU by the designated individuals and could be finalised as soon as the end of the month, diplomatic sources said.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday called for restraint and calm in Belaru.

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The secretary-general is closely following developments in Belarus, said Stephane Dujarric, the spokesman, in a statement.

The UN chief underlines the importance of enabling all Belarusians to exercise their civil and political rights, which include expressing their views peacefully in accordance with the law, the statement said.

Guterres calls on Belarusians to address post-election grievances through dialogue to preserve peace in the country, it said.

Earlier on Friday, Dujarric said the United Nations welcomed the reported release of some of the detainees on Thursday night and urged this to continue.

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"We take note of the statement of regret by the (minister) of interior of Belarus regarding the use of force and expect these incidents and claims to be investigated thoroughly," he told a daily virtual press briefing.

The United Nations remains in touch with Belarusian authorities in New York, Geneva and Minsk regarding the unfolding situation, he said.