Belarus frees two activists

By Andrei Makhovsky

MINSK (Reuters) - Belarus on Wednesday released the last two prisoners who the West says were held for their political beliefs, opening the door to improved ties with the United States and the European Union.

Sergei Parsyukevich, a businessman jailed in April after protesting against new rules on businesses introduced by President Alexander Lukashenko, said he believed Western pressure had secured his release.

Andrei Kim, another businessman sentenced to a year and a half in jail for attacking a policeman at the protest, was coming home soon, his mother said.

"I believe my release is the result of pressure from the West, pressure from the United States on Belarussian authorities and for that I am very grateful," said Parsyukevich, sentenced to two and half years for attacking a guard while in detention.

Speaking at a hastily arranged news conference, Parsyukevich said he was probably released by a presidential pardon.

Last week, Alexander Kozulin, the former Soviet state's most prominent activist, was freed.

"This news comes at a critical time as Belarus prepares for parliamentary elections next month," said EU External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner in a statement.

"I very much hope the positive momentum will continue and allow the European Union and Belarus to rapidly develop closer relations," she added.