BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS

DATE:

30/04/2008

Belarus Orders 10 U.S. Diplomats To Leave Within 72 Hours

Windsor Genova - AHN News Writer

Minsk, Belarus (AHN) - Belarus ordered 10 of 15 U.S. diplomats in this capital city Wednesday to leave the country within 72 hours.

The Belarus foreign ministry summoned the head of the U.S. mission, Jonathan Moore, and told him that the 10 diplomats are persona non grata.

Moore said he would comply with the order.

Diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Belarus have been tense following Washington's November ban on U.S. citizens from working with Belarussian oil company Belneftekhim and the freezing of the oil firm's assets in the U.S. The sanctions were imposed due to alleged human rights violations committed by the Belarussian government against opposition members.

In March, Belarus expelled the U.S. ambassador, Karen Stuart, in retaliation for the sanctions on Belneftekhim, a major revenue source for the country.

Source:

http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7010811303

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