U.S.: Release of political prisoners is an important step toward normalizing relations

But the Department of State still calls on the Government of Belarus to restore the political rights of these six and other former political prisoners.

“The release of these six political prisoners is a positive development for the people of Belarus and an important step toward normalizing relations with the United States. We reiterate our call for the Government of Belarus to restore the political rights of these six and other former political prisoners,” – is said in the statement of John Kirby, the Department Spokesperson.

He also encourages Belarus to conduct its upcoming elections in line with the standards of the OSCE’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), which will further improve our bilateral relationship.

Kirby believes that these steps will strengthen Belarusian sovereignty and independence, which the United States unequivocally and firmly supports.

As “EuroBelarus” Information Service earlier informed, Belarus President Aliaksandr Lukashenka issued an order on August 22 that said "based on the principle of humanism" he had decided to pardon and release from prison Mikalai Statkevich, Mikalai Dziadkou, Ihar Alinevich, Yauhen Vaskovich, Artsiom Prakapenka, and Yury Rubtsou.