Belarus demands continuous layoffs due to sanctions by the United States – EURACTIV.com

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus stated on Wednesday (August 11) that Belarus has asked the United States to reduce its embassy staff in Minsk and revoke its consent to appoint Julie Fisher as ambassador in response to Washington’s latest sanctions.

In a coordinated operation with the United Kingdom and Canada, Washington imposed new sanctions on several Belarusian individuals and entities on Monday, with the aim of punishing the tough President Alexander Lukashenko.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs commented on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website that Minsk has notified the United States that it hopes to reduce the number of embassy staff to 5 by September 1, saying this is “our reaction to their unfriendly or even aggressive behavior.” “.

Fisher, who was sworn in as the U.S. ambassador to Minsk in December last year, has not yet been able to enter Belarus, and Belarus initially hesitated to issue a visa to her.

“Under the background of Washington taking actions to reduce cooperation in various fields and stifle our economy, we objectively believe that there is no reason for the US diplomatic mission to maintain a large number of personnel in Belarus,” the ministry said.

The ministry also reiterated Lukashenko’s recent statement that Belarus is ready to negotiate with the West, rather than launch a sanctions war.

Western governments tried to put pressure on Lukashenko, who was accused of rigging the election in August 2020 and imprisoning or expelling all important opposition leaders in order to extend his current 27 years in power. He said he won the vote fairly, while others called for a coup.