Belarus Expels American Ambassador, Recalls Diplomats

MINSK, Belarus — The Belarusian Foreign Ministry says it has demanded that the American ambassador leave the ex-Soviet nation for consultations and recalled its ambassador to America.

The move marks heightening tensions between the authoritarian government of President Lukashenko and America. Washington has introduced travel restrictions on Mr. Lukashenko and members of his inner circle as well as financial sanctions against Belarusian authorities over their crackdown on opposition and free media.