Belarus Opposition Newspaper Told to Suspend Publication

News reports say it was the Ministry of Information that made the decision to ban Belarusskaya Delovaya Gazeta (The Belarus Business Newspaper). The paper's general director, Pyotr Martsev, said Thursday the decision is politically motivated, and that he plans to appeal. He also vowed to continue publishing. The paper has received several reprimands in recent days for printing articles critical of the government and of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. Last month, Mr. Lukashenko ordered prosecutors to pay closer attention to the activities of opposition politicians. Western governments and human rights groups have often criticized Mr. Lukashenko's government for human rights abuses, cracking down on opponents and silencing independent media.