MINSK, June 3. /TASS/. Belarus, as a retaliatory measure against US sanctions imposed on the republic’s petrochemical enterprises, has decided to reduce the staff of the US Embassy in the country, introduce stricter visa procedures as well as recall the decision on operations of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in the republic, a commentary by Belarusian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Anatoly Glaz published on the ministry’s website on Thursday said.

"Today, the US charge d’affaires in Belarus was summoned to the Foreign Ministry, who was told about the retaliatory measures. They include the reduction of diplomatic and administrative and technical personnel of the American diplomatic mission, the stiffening of visa procedures, the restriction on temporary work of American specialists in Belarus. We have also recalled the decision on the United States Agency for International Development operating in Belarus," the statement said.

The spokesman added that the measures undertaken by Minsk are selective and intended to send a clear signal to the US on the futility of pressure and force in relations with Belarus. "As before, we are not inclined towards escalation and are ready to continue contacts with the American side on the principles of equality and mutual respect," he added.

The diplomat stressed that the US’ actions with regards to Belarusian enterprises are illegal, contradict international law and serve to apply pressure on a sovereign state. According to him, they will harm the workers of the affected enterprises - the ordinary Belarusian citizens. "Of course, we expected this turn of events, so the state will do everything possible in order for these destructive measures not to affect our people and workforce," he added.

From June 3, the US administration is renewing restrictions against nine Belarusian enterprises: Belneftekhim, Belneftekhim USA, the Belarusian Oil Trading House, Belshina, Grodno Azot, Grodno Khimvolokno, Lakokraska, Naftan and Polotsk Steklovolokno due to alleged human rights violations in the republic. The cooperation of American citizens and companies with these enterprises must be ceased, all operations with them are prohibited as well as with companies that are 50% or more owned by these enterprises.