Eric Rubin: Human rights issue remains central in relation to Belarus

On April 29 representatives of the Belarusian diaspora in Washington met with Eric Rubin, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State.

Valery Kavaleuski, the representative of Belarusian-American Association, told Belarusian News. According to him, Eric Rubin praised his February visit in Belarus, including meeting with Aliaksandr Lukashenka.

However, Rubin noted that there was a need of practical steps to improve bilateral relations. The development of trade-economic and investment cooperation is possible after the release of political prisoners and the creation of conditions for a democratic process in Belarus, including the elections at the proper level.

He emphasized the human rights issue remained central when determining the U.S. policy towards Belarus.

In case there are no changes in Belarusian domestic policy, in June the United States can extend sanctions introduced after the presidential elections in Belarus in 2006.