US lifts sanctions on Belarusian companies after release of 25 political prisoners
Trump's special envoy John Coale (photo: Getty Images)
Minsk agreed to release 25 political prisoners following talks with the US. In return, Washington will take a significant step toward Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko, LRT reports.
What will Minsk get in return?
On September 16, the Belarusian side agreed to release 25 political prisoners following talks with US envoys.
In response to this move, Washington will lift sanctions on two Belarusian companies — Lakokraska and Bellesbumprom.
US presidential special envoy John Coale said that Belarus and the US had reached an interim agreement. The two sides will continue dialogue on issues that remain unresolved between the countries.
"When all the issues are resolved and agreed upon by both sides, additional people will be released and sanctions on Belarusian companies will be lifted," Coale added.
According to the Viasna human rights organization, on the evening of September 15, relatives of some of the prisoners learned that they would be able to pick up their loved ones from penal colonies the following morning.
Earlier, self-proclaimed Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said that he had no plans to attack neighboring countries.
The Belarusian leader said such a move would be tantamount to death for Minsk, as Belarus would not be able to defeat its neighboring "monsters."
