Swedish Ambassador Stefan Eriksson, who was expelled from Belarus earlier this month, wrote on Facebook that he had loved his job and tried to do it honestly, BelaPAN said.
Swedish Ambassador Stefan Eriksson, who was expelled from Belarus earlier this month, wrote on Facebook that he had loved his job and tried to do it honestly, BelaPAN said.
"I did not want to find myself in this situation and would exchange your praise for the possibility of working in Belarus and meeting with you," Mr. Eriksson wrote on his Facebook page in Belarusian. "Of course, your support is very comforting and heart-warming. I'm sincerely grateful to you! I hardly deserve your praise. After all, I was doing my job, which I loved very much, and I tried to do it honestly."
"Belarus probably inspired me to do a little more that I was required to do," he said. "In this case, this is your accomplishment. When I read your comments, I almost get the impression that you've already buried me. Please, don't bury me yet! Karlsson/Erikkson will be back. See you! The good will prevail! Long live Belarus!"
Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt announced on Twitter on Friday that Mr. Eriksson had left Belarus by order of the Belarusian authorities. Anders Jorle, spokesman for the Swedish foreign ministry, told BelaPAN later that day that the authorities had decided not to extend Mr. Eriksson's residence permit and notified him of their decision on August 1.
In a subsequent statement, Mr. Bildt accused the Belarusian government of violating its international commitments.
The expulsion of Mr. Eriksson is a serious breach of the norms for relations between states, he warned.
"The accusations directed at the Ambassador by the regime are without foundation," Mr. Bildt said. "That Sweden is broadly committed to democracy and human rights in Belarus is no secret, and Ambassador Eriksson has represented this Swedish policy in a creditable and important way."
The Belarusian embassy will be informed during the day that the proposed new Belarusian ambassador is not welcome in Stockholm, and that the residence permits of two of its representatives will be withdrawn, Mr. Bildt said.
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