DATE:
20/08/2008
The Associated Press
WASHINGTON: The United States is praising moves by Belarus to release detainees described by the Americans as political prisoners. The State Department says the move could be an opening to improved relations.
Department spokesman Robert Wood welcomed on Wednesday the release of the last two prisoners whose freedom the United States had demanded.
He said the moves "offer the real possibility of significant improvement in relations."
Wood also said that Deputy Assistant Secretary of State David Merkel is traveling to Minsk for talks with Belarusian officials.
Relations between the two countries have been strained over U.S. sanctions and tensions over the prisoners. Both recalled their ambassadors in March and have reduced embassy staffs drastically.
Source:
http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/08/20/america/NA-US-Belarus.php
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