USA Warns Belarus of Possible Breakdown in Relations

The USA has warned Belarus that relations between the two countries may deteriorate if it refuses to cooperate with the OSCE (Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe) Chairman in Office Antonio Martins Da Cruz. This warning was made by Head of the European Bureau of Political-Military Affairs of the US Department of State John Schmidt at an OSCE assembly in Minsk.

Mr Schmidt said that 'Belarus deported the international OSCE mission and flatly refused to hold discussions with the OSCE chairman in office.' He then said that such behavior is a violation of OSCE regulations and therefore unacceptable. 'Once again I would like to ask President Alexander Lukashenko to change the political course of his country,' said Schmidt.

Schmidt made a proposal 'to send a group of high-ranking officials to Minsk in order to solve this problem by way of negotiations.'