Following a violent crackdown on post-election protests in Poland’s eastern neighbour, Foreign Minister Jacek Czaputowicz told reporters: "We appeal to the Belarusian authorities to start respecting fundamental human rights and to engage in dialogue with society."
Pompeo welcomed the release of some protesters in Belarus, but added that the move by the authorities in Minsk was not enough, Polish state news agency PAP reported.
He added that the US was closely following the situation in Belarus, where President Alexander Lukashenko has been accused by protesters of rigging last Sunday's presidential election to win a sixth term. Pompeo said the vote was neither free nor fair.
The Polish prime minister has announced his country will seek to support Belarus by opening its borders and labour market while providing financial support to civil society.
Earlier on Saturday, Pompeo signed a major defence cooperation deal under which 1,000 extra American troops will be stationed in Poland, a staunch US military ally fearful of Russia.
The PAP news agency cited Pompeo as saying the deal was strategically important in terms of American security and the security of US allies.
Czaputowicz hailed the agreement as "historic.”
Mike Pompeo. Photo: PAP/Wojciech Olkuśnik
While in Warsaw, Pompeo also attended ceremonies marking the 100th anniversary of a key victory over the Russian Bolsheviks in the 1920 Battle of Warsaw.
Earlier this week, the presidents of Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia appealed to the Belarus authorities to de-escalate tensions, stop using force against citizens and to free detained protestors.
(pk)
Source: PAP/IAR