U.S. Voices Concern over Its Lawyer Detained in Belarus

The United States voiced concern on Monday about an American lawyer who was detained in Belarus accused of using false documents.

Belarus failed to provide timely notification of the arrest of the American identified as Emanuel Zeltser, who suffers from serious health conditions and requires daily medications, the State Department said in a statement.

"We urge the government of Belarus to comply with their international obligations and provide immediate and regular consular access to Emanuel Zelster," the statement said, adding that the United States has only been permitted one visit with Zeltser.

Bilateral ties between the two countries have been chilly as the United States has slapped sanctions on Belarus.