BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS

DATE:

04/04/2008

Minsk Insists On Further Staff Cuts At U.S. Embassy

Belarusian Foreign Ministry spokesman Andrey Papou told journalists in Minsk on April 3 that the government's recommendation that the Unites States further reduce the staff of its embassy in Minsk remains in force, Belapan reported. Papou stressed that Minsk demands that the U.S. sanctions against Belarusian economic entities be lifted, which he added will be the "basis for the development of Belarusian-American relations." Commenting on Minsk's recent demand that both sides cut their embassies' personnel to 17 people, Papou said it was of a "retaliatory nature," but added that the move was in full accordance with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. The previous day, Belarus called on the United States to reduce its diplomatic personnel even more. "We consider it expedient to use the formula of one plus six, under which one ambassador and six diplomats will work at the Belarusian Embassy in the United States. We expect the U.S. to adhere to the principle of parity," Deputy Foreign Minister Viktar Haysyonak said on April 2. JM

Source:

http://www.rferl.org/newsline/2008/04/3-cee/cee-040408.asp

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