US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken congratulated the people of Belarus on Independence Day.
"On behalf of the USA, I send my sincere wishes to the people of Belarus on Independence Day. Those who live in Belarus and those who have had to leave their lives and loved ones in exile all deserve the opportunity to choose their future. For those seeking to help their communities build a society free from violence and oppression, your commitment to providing a better life for your people inspires the world. We pay tribute to the bravery of the 1,500 Belarusian political prisoners who are being held captive simply for trying to enjoy the freedoms that independence is supposed to bring. We call for their unconditional release, and our thoughts are especially with their loved ones on this day.
We support those who are paving the way to an independent, democratic, and sovereign Belarus, and we will continue to support them as they bravely endure these difficult times," the message said.
