Washington, 18 March 1997 (RFE/RL) - The United States yesterday criticized the expulsion from Belarus of the local executive director of the Soros Foundation.
U.S. State Department spokesman Nicholas Burns said the move was unacceptable and showed a disregard for international law and diplomatic practice.
Burns said it was a further sign that all is not well in Belarus. He said it also showed that democratic procedures were not being followed by the government.
Burns said it will be difficult for the United States to work with Belarus in what he called a normal capacity. But he said work with the Belarusian authorities would continue on matters directly concerning the United States.