MINSK, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- The United States has decided to lift sanctions previously imposed on the Belarusian potash industry, U.S. special envoy for Belarus John Coale said here on Saturday.
Coale said the move came in accordance with the instructions of U.S. President Donald Trump, and described it as a "very good step by the United States for Belarus," according to media reports.
Following his meeting with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, he further emphasized that the restrictions would be lifted immediately, adding that Washington and Minsk will continue dialogue regarding other sanctions.
In a reciprocal gesture following the U.S. move, the Belarusian president has decided to pardon 123 citizens of various countries convicted under national laws for crimes including espionage, terrorism and extremist activities.
The presidential press service said that this goodwill gesture was made in response to requests from other heads of state and is based on humanitarian principles and universal human values, aimed at accelerating positive momentum in relations with partner countries and stabilizing the European region.
The potash industry, particularly the state-owned producer Belaruskali, has been under extensive sanctions from countries including the U.S. over the past few years. These measures forced Minsk to seek new markets and develop alternative logistics channels.
