Minsk Bans Some U.S. Officials From Entering Belarus

(RFE/RL) August 23, 2007 -- Belarus says it's banning several U.S. officials from entering the country in response to the recent expansion of U.S. visa restrictions on Belarusian authorities.

However, Belarusian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Vanshyna did not name the U.S. officials affected or say how many there were.

In a statement, Vanshyna also said Belarus would make it easier for ordinary U.S. citizens to enter Belarus.

She said U.S. applications for stays of up to one month would not require an invitation from inside Belarus, calling the move "an example for our American colleagues."

The United States earlier this month expanded a list of Belarusian officials placed under strict travel restrictions in connection with human-rights violations.

(AP)