BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS

DATE:

03/04/2008

Belarus Urges New Reduction Of Diplomats At U.S. Embassy In Minsk

Florida Padilla - AHN

Minsk, Belarus (AHN) - The Belarus government has asked the U.S. government for a new reduction of its diplomats and employees at its U.S. embassy. No figure had been specified when the Belarus Foreign Ministry summoned on Monday, the top diplomat still in Minsk to send the message to the U.S. government. But the Deputy Foreign Minister revealed on Wednesday that his government wanted the U.S. to cut its embassy officials and staff to seven.

Belarus had already reduced its own officials in its embassy in the U.S. and authorities strongly suggested that the Bush administration to do the same.

''We consider it expedient to use the formula of one plus six, under which one ambassador and six diplomats will work at the Belarusian Embassy in the United States,'' Deputy Foreign Minister Viktor Gaisyonok said, according to Santa Barbara News Press. ''We expect the U.S. to adhere to the principle of parity.''

The diplomatic dispute between Belarus and the United States has been going on for months.

U.S. Ambassador to Belarus Karen Stewart left the embassy in Minsk last March after being prompted by the Belarusian authorities.

Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko's had earlier recommended that the U.S. embassy reduced more than 50 percent of its employees based in Minsk. The U.S. embassy adhered to the call, sending 18 of its employees home.

There are now 17 employees in the U.S. embassy in Minsk.

The U.S., along with other member nations of the European Union, has been one of the strongest critics of the leadership of Pres. Lukashenko, who has been regarded by the U.S. as the "Europe's last dictator."

The U.S. vehemently opposed Lukashenko's policies and leadership style, noting concerns on human rights violation allegedly exercised by the Belarusian leader.

Washington has recently sanctioned Belarusian-state controlled oil processing and chemicals company, Belneftekhim. The Bush administration has frozen the company's U.S. account. And the Belarusian government has been asking the U.S. government to lift the sanctions.

Source:

http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7010525031

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