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Staff of Belarusian embassy in Kyrgyzstan still staying in Minsk

The staff of the Belarusian embassy in Bishkek who left the Kyrgyz capital amid concerns about their safety earlier this month are still staying in Minsk, Andrey Savinykh, spokesman for the Belarusian foreign ministry, told reporters on May 27.

"The Belarusian diplomats will return to Bishkek when we can say with complete certainty that they will face no threats in this country and will be able to work and perform their duties on a proper level," Mr. Savinykh said.

The embassy's staff left Bishkek on May 13 in what was described as a "temporary measure" taken solely because of fears for their life and safety.

The diplomats' departure came after a wave of protests staged in front of the Belarusian embassy to demand the extradition of ousted leader Kurmanbek Bakiyev who took exile in Minsk after April's uprising. //BelaPAN