Belarussian president Lukashenko denied entrance to the USA

The government of the United States stops issuing entry visas for official or private tours to Belarussian leader Alexander Lukashenko and seven high-ranking officials from his government.

This was reported by the US Department of State. According to it, the ban on issuing US visas to Lukashenko and a number of key members of the Belarussian Cabinet came into force on Tuesday, November 26.

The United States takes these unprecedented measures in view of the continuing violation of human rights and democratic principles in Belarus, especially in connection with the forced closing of the Minsk-based OSCE monitoring group, says the statement of the Department of State.

The US government will follow the situation in Belarus, taking the decision about the continuation of this visa policy, reports the press service. According to its data, the United States would hail the return of the OSCE monitoring group to Minsk.

Belarus must take steps for political liberalisation and respect for human rights if it hopes to improve its relations with the international community and put an end to self-isolation, points out the statement.