BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS

DATE:

23/08/2007

Belarus To Strike Back On Visas For U.S. Officials

Belarusian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Vanshyna said on August 22 that Belarus will impose visa restrictions for "certain categories of American government officials" in response to Washington's recent decision to expand its list of Belarusian officials banned from entering the United States (see "RFE/RL Newsline," August 8, 2007), Belapan reported. Vanshyna did not provide further details on the restrictions. She also announced that Minsk will facilitate the visa process for U.S. tourists and businesspeople traveling to Belarus in order to "foster person-to-person contacts." Such visitors, Vanshyna noted, will not be required to provide letters of invitation when applying for Belarusian visas. "This step is an act of good will, which demonstrates the friendly nature of Belarus's foreign policy," Vanshyna added. JM

Source:

http://www.rferl.org/newsline/2007/08/3-cee/cee-230807.asp