The USA cancels the sanctions imposed on two Belarusian companies, "Lakokraska" OJSC and "Bellesbumprom" concern. In return, Belarus will release 25 detainees. At the end of the negotiations held in Minsk, John Cole, the US President's special envoy to Belarus, reported this, "BelTA" news agency reports. "As a gesture of goodwill, Belarus releases 25 people, and the United States, in turn, lifts sanctions against the Belarusian companies Lakokraska and Bellesbumprom," Cole said. The names of those released have not yet been published, but the parties have agreed to continue discussions on the remaining issues. According to Cole, in the event of further agreements, it is possible to release new groups, as well as to exempt other Belarusian companies from sanctions. The American diplomat added that Minsk and Washington have reached a preliminary agreement. According to him, the international situation, bilateral agenda and other topics of mutual interest were discussed during the meeting. Cole emphasized that the parties have made significant progress and are ready to continue working together. The next round of negotiations with the Belarusian authorities started on September 15. Cole was received by Alexander Lukashenko at the Independence Palace yesterday. This is not the first time that Cole-brokered negotiations lead to the release of prisoners and easing of American sanctions. After the previous meeting held in March, the USA released a number of Belarusian organizations and banks from restrictions. However, in his statement, Cole did not specify specific dates for the lifting of restrictions on "Lakocraska" and "Bellesbumprom".