US Imposed New Sanctions. Lukashenka Recalls Ambassador from US

Belarus has recalled its Ambassador to the US and recommended the US Ambassador to leave Belarus. The statement of the Foreign Ministry informs that the decision to recall Ambassador Mikhail Khvastou for consultations has been taken after additional sanctions against Belneftekhim concern were imposed.

On November 13, 2007 George Bush administration froze accounts of the Belarusian state concern Belneftekhim. The reason for that announced by the US authorities was the fact that the concern is controlled by Alyaksandr Lukashenka. The US demand to stop repressions in Belarus and release political prisoners.

Sanctions imposed by the US Treasury concern all branches of Belneftekhim in Germany, Ukraine, Latvia, Russia and China, and Belneftekhim USA branch.