In Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus commented on moratorium prolongation on the actual U.S. sanctions against two companies of Belneftekhim concern — Polotsk-Steklovolokno and Lakokraska — for six months more. "The two partners face to dismantle obstructions risen in bilateral relations in recent years", Foreign Ministry spokesman, Andrei Savinykh, said.
«With regard to moratorium prolongation on sanctions against two of our enterprises, we consider this as a solution in the right direction. We are convinced that we could do a lot in the interests of the two states, and we believe that sanctions cancelation, in principle, is an important prerequisite to start such a dialogue», the head of information department of Belarusian foreign ministry said.
According to the opinion of Belarusian MFA official representative, which he voiced answering the question about the possible restoration of the number of the U.S. embassy staff in Minsk, sanctions cancellation «will stimulate a constructive and systematic dialogue with the American party in all areas of our interaction».
Earlier, Telegraf reported that along with moratorium prolongation on sanctions against two Belarusian JSCs, the U.S. Finance Ministry stated that in Washington they did not intend to cancel the economic restrictive measures against Belarus.
«Unfortunately, recent events, including raids against non-governmental organizations last week, indicate that Belarusian authorities’ actions in respect of fundamental freedoms continue to be of a negative nature. US-Belarus relations can be improved only after meaningful progress in democracy and compliance with fundamental human rights. This situation will be taking in account when deciding on further sanctions suspension in November», declared in the U.S. Embassy to Belarus on May 25.
