30 Belarus officials denied US entry visas

The U.S. Embassy in Minsk has rejected visa applications to at least 30 Belarusian officials as part of the sanctions against the Belarusian authorities for their poor human rights record, Ambassador Karen Stewart told a news conference in Minsk. "This year, the United States has expanded sanctions against the officials which we believe are responsible for repressions in Belarus. We have expanded our restrictions and included wider categories of citizens. This is the first time when directors and deputy directors of state-owned enterprises as well as their spouses have got on this list," she said.