Ian Kelly: Release of Sannikov is a significant step

U.S. Ambassador to the OSCE Ian Kelly urged the Belarusian authorities to release other political prisoners.

'The United States notes the release of former Belarusian presidential candidate, Andrei Sannikov, and his campaign manager, Zmitser Bandarenka. These releases, coupled with previous releases, represent a significant step.

We urge the Government of Belarus to free all remaining political prisoners immediately and unconditionally, and to ensure the full restoration of their civil and political rights, Respect for democracy and human rights remains central to improving relations between the United States and Belarus', - said Ambassador Ian Kelly to the Permanent Council of OSCE in Vienna.