Philip Gordon: Release of political prisoners is the main criterion for US

Before the visit to Minsk planned on August 14, US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Phillip Gordon has made some statements on the situation in Belarus.

Today Phillip Gordon has met with Lithuania's Minister of Foreign Affairs Vygaudas Usackas.

During the talks Minister Usackas noted that support by the US is important for implementing Eastern Partnership program and that that it is extremely important to involve Belarus to cooperation. In his turn, Philip Gordon has made several statements on the situation in our country.

The U.S. diplomat has stated that he goes to Minsk to find out whether the bilateral relations could change for the better, Delfi agency from Lithuania informs. Gordon said: "Maybe they are ready to move towards that direction, but they need to do more in order to have sanctions lifted." He stated that he is not going to announce or agree upon a new policy, but wants to see in his own eyes whether the official Minsk is ready for decisions necessary for establishing constructive relations with the US.

As said by Gordon, human rights and democracy remain the main criterion for the US. Belarus is to release all political prisoners, give more freedom to NGOs and mass media, and hold free and transparent elections.

As said by Philip Gordon, there are ways to achieve changes. He has also added that the US sanctions against Belarus are a result of human rights violations. They would be lifted in case the country would aim to become democratic. "They have taken some positive steps in those areas, and we have noticed, and that's why I am going," he told.

Speaking about a possibility to send a new ambassador to Belarus, Gordon noted that it was not Washington who called off the ambassador. He said that the US does not connect this issue with lifting sanctions. He also said Washington was ready to send an ambassador to Minsk, but "the ball is really in (Minsk's) court and as I have said, sanctions were put on in response to human rights and democracy practices, not the size of our embassy", US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs said.