Belarus withdraws its ambassador to UK
In connection with a number of unfriendly steps of the United Kingdom that are systematically aimed at causing maximum damage to Belarusian citizens and legal entities, it was decided to lower the level of diplomatic representation of the Republic of Belarus in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to the charge d'affaires – as informed by the Belarusian Foreign Ministry’s press secretary, Anatoly Glaz
"The introduction of unprecedented sanctions against our people, employees of enterprises, the Belarusian economy and financial system, the restriction of work of Belarusian journalists and the media, the groundless ban on Belavia flights, the arbitrary non-issuance of visas to Belarusian parliamentarians for a meeting of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, and other illegal restrictive measures at this stage do not allow for a full-fledged dialogue," Mr. Glaz explained.
At the same time, he stressed that, despite everything that is happening, Belarusians maintain good relations and good interpersonal contacts with Brits, and these will be encouraged by official Minsk – including by simplifying freedom of movement. "This enables us to look into the future with certain optimism. We will make an appropriate decision, when we see opportunities to resume constructive interaction with the UK,” the press secretary added.
Mr. Glaz emphasised that the Belarusian ambassador’s withdrawal does not mean that the country closes its communication channels with London. "We have not initiated any steps against this country and, as before, we stand for a mutually respectful and constructive dialogue. When the current domestic political show ends and when responsible politicians – who will work not for their personal rating, but for the benefit of the people of the United Kingdom and in the interests of stability in the European region – come to power in the British Government, prerequisites for restoration of dialogue and a full-fledged diplomatic presence will be created,” he stated.
