BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS
DATE:
29/08/2008
US considering ending sanctions against Belarus
The Associated Press
WASHINGTON: The United States says it could end sanctions on Belarus soon if the country takes steps toward political reform.
U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State David Merkel discussed ways to improve frayed relations with Belarusian officials in Minsk last week.
State Department spokesman Robert Wood said Friday that Merkel praised the recent release of Belarusian political prisoners. The step removed a key U.S. grievance.
Wood said Merkel made clear that the United States will consider the conduct of a Sept. 28 parliamentary election in Belarus in deciding whether to drop sanctions and visa restrictions.
Wood said that the United States wants Belarus to allow the return of U.S. diplomats, who were asked to leave Minsk this year in retaliation for U.S. sanctions.
Source:
http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/08/29/america/NA-US-Belarus.php
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