BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS
DATE:
13/03/2008
U.S. Envoy Eyes Belarus Return, Firm on Rights
VILNIUS-The U.S. ambassador who quit Belarus after a dispute with the authorities said on Thursday she hoped to return to her post soon, but that Washington's policy on rights would remain unchanged.
Ambassador Karen Stewart left Belarus temporarily on Wednesday in a sign relations between the United States and Belarus had hit a new low. Her departure followed two requests for her to leave over what Minsk said were new U.S. sanctions.
Minsk recalled its envoy from Washington on Friday.
"This is only a temporary departure from Minsk for consultations, I hope to return to Minsk in a couple or three weeks," she told Reuters Television in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius.
The United States, which has called Belarus the "last dictatorship in Europe", and the European Union have imposed a range of sanctions against Belarus and barred entry to President Alexander Lukashenko, saying he rigged his 2006 re-election.
Last year, Americans were prohibited from doing business with national oil products firm Belneftekhim, and assets under U.S. jurisdiction were frozen.
Belarussian officials said they acted in response to what they saw as new sanctions against the firm. U.S. officials have said there are no new sanctions.
"All these recent events do not change U.S. policy towards Belarus, the issue is respect for human rights," Stewart said.
"If all the political prisoners are released, we remain ready to offer steps in ways to improve bilateral relations between the U.S. and Belarus. This event does not end diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Belarus."
She said she would welcome the return to Washington of Belarussian ambassador Mikhail Khvostov.
Lukashenko is accused of crushing freedom of speech and assembly, but has sought improved relations with the West since quarrelling with Russia last year over energy prices.
As part of moves to improve ties with the West, Belarussian courts have freed several opposition activists. But the country's most prominent detainee, Alexander Kozulin, is still serving a 5-1/2 year term for helping organise protests against the president's re-election.
Another prominent detainee, Andrei Kim, is being held in connection with protests in January by the leaders of small businesses.
Stewart said she would now travel to Brussels for consultations with EU officials.
Source:
http://en.epochtimes.com/news/8-3-13/67495.html
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