U.S. State Department: Expulsion of the Ambassador of Sweden serve to deepen Belarus’ self-isolation

U.S. deeply concerned about the diplomatic scandal between Minsk and Stockholm.

«The United States is deeply concerned about recent events in Belarus, including the decision of the Belarusian government to expel the Swedish ambassador and force Sweden to recall its entire diplomatic staff in Minsk. These actions, like the expulsion of the U.S. ambassador to Belarus in 2008, only serve to deepen Belarus’ self-isolation.

The United States stands with Sweden and our European partners in supporting the aspirations of the people of Belarus for a modern, democratic and prosperous future. We again call on Belarus to immediately release and rehabilitate all political prisoners, and to put an end to the repression of civil society and the democratic opposition», - said Patrick Ventrell, acting deputy spokesperson of U.S. State Department.

We remind the information appeared today that Belarus withdraws its embassy staff from Sweden. The Belarusian MFA says the reason for this step was the expulsion of two Belarusian diplomats from Sweden. It happened after Belarus did not renew accreditation for Swedish Ambassador to Minsk Stefan Eriksson.

The diplomatic row came after the Swedish teddy bear drop.