The White House is ready to reconsider sanctions if the situation with democracy and human rights improves in Belarus, Mark Toner, a representative of the U.S. Department of State, told journalists.
“These sanctions are connected to the issue of democracy and human rights in Belarus. If Belarus takes significant steps in these fields, the United States will consider another round of relaxing the sanction regime. Today, I cannot announce it yet,” Toner said.
The return of the U.S. ambassador to Minsk is not being discussed at the moment, he added.
The United States welcomed the peaceful conduct of the September 11 parliamentary elections in Belarus. They noted that alternative voices would be represented in parliament for the first time in 12 years. Still, the elections fell short of Belarus’ international obligations and commitments to free and fair elections, John Kirby, the Spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State, said.
Strengthening Belarus’ democracy will reinforce Belarusian sovereignty and independence, which the United States unequivocally and firmly supports, and will pave the way to improved bilateral ties, Kirby added.
