"Key Updates from the US Department of State's August 9, 2023 Press Briefing"

The United States has imposed sanctions on eight individuals and five entities that enable the Lukashenka regime's repression and human rights abuses in Belarus. The State Department is also imposing visa restrictions on 101 regime officials and their affiliates for undermining democratic institutions. The U.S. expresses appreciation for the safe release of two Americans in Haiti and remains concerned about the health and safety of Niger's President Bazoum. The State Department believes the withdrawal from Afghanistan was the correct policy choice but refrains from characterizing it as a success. The U.S. is monitoring the presence of Wagner fighters in Belarus and expresses confidence in Poland's actions. The U.S. has taken various actions over the past three years to support the Belarusian people and hold Belarusian officials accountable. The U.S. has not waived Iraq's obligation to pay bills owed to Russia and continues to implement sanctions on Russia.