Ian Kelly: We urge Belarusan authorities to engage in a dialogue about human rights

The US diplomat commented upon the report on human rights violations prepared recently by the Belarusan Foreign Ministry and told that the US reinstates its call for release of political prisoners.

This demand requires to “immediately and unconditionally release all political prisoners”, BelaPAN says. Ian Kelly, the US representative to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), also noted to the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna that the United States welcomed the release of political prisoner Vasil Parfiankou on February, 9.

The envoy recalled the Belarusan foreign ministry’s recent report that details human rights abuses in 25 countries, including the United States. “The United States welcomes dialogue with other countries and non-governmental organizations regarding the human rights situation in the United States. We urge Belarusan authorities to engage, as well, in a dialogue about human rights within Belarus,” he said.

Referring to a series of police raids targeting gay clubs in Belarus, Mr. Kelly said that Washington was concerned about the harassment of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals in the country.

“Members of the LGBT community are not alone in facing harassment and intimidation in Belarus,” Mr. Kelly said, noting the persecution of opposition activists and journalists.