U.S. will provide reply to Belarusian regime
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12:16, — Politics
The U.S. Department of State will provide a reply to the Belarusian requirement of cutting its embassy staff in Minsk.
“The answer will be given tomorrow, in due course,” Interfax learnt from the U.S. embassy.
The ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus suggested that till the end of April the U.S. embassy should make a list of five American diplomats, who would stay to work in Minsk. Jonathan Moore, head of the U.S. diplomatic mission, said, commenting on this demand: “There would be grave consequences as a result of this unprecedented and unwarranted step by the Belarusian authorities.”
The embassy also said 15 officers worked for the diplomatic mission now.
On 7 March Belarusian ambassador Mikhail Khvastou was recalled from Washington due to U.S. sanctions against Belneftekhim company. On 12 March U.S. ambassador Karen Stewart left Minsk on the insistence of the Belarusian side.
The American side was recommended to reduce its embassy staff. 17 U.S. diplomats left Belarus on 27 March. The Belarusian side took a decision on additional cutting of its embassy staff in Washington according to one plus six formula (one ambassador and six diplomats) and offered the U.S. to take adequate steps. Later Belarus offered the U.S. to reduce its embassy staff up to 5 persons.
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