MINSK, 29 July (BelTA) – In view of a number of unfriendly moves by the United Kingdom that seek to inflict maximum damage to Belarusian nationals and legal entities, a decision has been taken to downgrade diplomatic relations with the UK to the level of charge d'affaires, Press Secretary of the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Anatoly Glaz told reporters, BelTA has learned.
According to the representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a full-fledged dialogue was debilitated by the unprecedented sanctions against Belarusian citizens, employees of enterprises, the Belarusian economy and the financial system, the restriction of the work of Belarusian journalists and mass media outlets, the groundless ban on Belavia flights and the unwarranted decision not to issue visas for Belarusian parliamentarians who planned to take part in the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly meeting, as well as other illegal restrictive measures.
“It is gratifying that despite all the ongoing developments Belarusians maintain good interpersonal contacts with the people of the UK. These contacts will be encouraged by Minsk, including by facilitating the freedom of movement. This makes us rather optimistic about the future. As soon as we see an opportunity to resume constructive interaction with the UK, we will make an appropriate move,” Anatoly Glaz said.
According to the ministry, the recall of the ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of Belarus does not mean that the channels of communication with London will be disrupted. “We have not initiated any steps against this country and we remain committed to a mutually respectful and constructive dialogue. The dialogue and a full-fledged diplomatic presence might be restored when the ongoing political show in the UK is over and the British government welcomes responsible politicians who will work for the people of Great Britain and stability in Europe instead of their public profile,” the foreign ministry representative said.
