BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS
DATE:
27/02/2008
US welcomes release of Belarusian opposition figure
Washington - The United States on Tuesday welcomed the release of a key Belarusian opposition leader, Aleksander Kozulin, and said he should remain free after attending his wife's funeral. Belarusian authorities granted Kozulin a three-day furlough from his 56-month sentence to attend the funeral of his wife, Irina, who died Sunday from cancer at age 49.
"It is important that his release be made permanent and unconditional," State Department deputy spokesman Tom Casey said.
The release of Kozulin and six other political prisoners is a "positive step," and if Kozulin remains free the United States would be willing to begin talks with Belarus about improving relations, Casey said.
"We regret that Mr Kozulin was not released earlier, prior to the passing of his wife, Irina Kozulina," Casey said. "We offer our condolences to the Kozulin family."
Kozulin is the confrontational head of the Belarusian Social- Democrat Party. He was arrested and jailed in 2006 for leading anti- government protests.
Source:
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