United States Extends Partial Suspension of Belarus Sanctions

May 24, 2010

Press Release by the U.S. Embassy
Minsk, Belarus

The United States has extended the suspension of sanctions against Polotsk Steklovolokno and Lakokraska until November 30, 2010. Other related U.S. sanctions in Belarus continue in force.   Unfortunately, recent events, including raids on an NGO last week, indicate a continuing, negative pattern in the Belarusian authorities’ respect for basic freedoms.   An improvement in U.S.-Belarusian relations can come only when there is real progress on respect for democracy and for basic human rights.  This situation will be a factor in our consideration of whether to continue the selected suspension of sanctions in November.