To the People of Belarus: My tenure as U.S. Special Envoy for Belarus draws to a close this month as part of a planned diplomatic rotation. Since 2020 you, the people of Belarus, made it clear that you should determine your country’s future. I want to express my abiding admiration for your strength and resolve …
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One year ago, the Lukashenka regime in Belarus forced Ryanair Flight 4978 to land in Minsk by lying about a bomb threat. Two passengers from that flight remain in Belarusian custody and have yet to reach their final destination. Raman Pratasevich was the initial target of the operation and continues to be victimized as a …
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On February 27, Minsk again squandered an opportunity for genuine national dialogue about the country’s future. Instead, this referendum further entrenches Belarus in the darkness of the past, an affront to the millions of Belarusians who voted in the August 2020 fraudulent election and the hundreds of thousands of Belarusians who took to the streets …
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The U.S. Embassy in Minsk is pleased to announce the open competition for the 2022-2023 Global UGRAD Program. The Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD) provides a diverse group of emerging student leaders with a scholarship for one semester of non-degree academic study at a U.S. college or university. Global UGRAD is a program of …
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The U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) supports projects to preserve a wide range of cultural heritage in more than 100 countries, including historic buildings, archaeological sites, ethnographic objects, paintings, manuscripts, and indigenous languages and other forms of traditional cultural expression. The competition for AFCP 2022 Grants Program is now open! The application deadline …
Read More» STATEMENT BY SPECIAL ENVOY FOR BELARUS JULIE D. FISHER Efforts to Hamper U.S. Development Assistance and Public Diplomacy Programs in Belarus On October 20, 2021, the Belarusian authorities informed the United States of new measures designed to impede the functioning of the U.S. Embassy in Minsk by forcing the closure of the Embassy’s Public Diplomacy and USAID offices, including the American Center in Minsk. The Belarusian authorities are forcing the Embassy to terminate …
Read More» Holding the Lukashenka Regime to Account on the Anniversary of the Fraudulent Presidential Belarusian Election PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE AUGUST 9, 2021 On the one-year anniversary of Belarus’s fraudulent presidential election, the United States government has taken decisive action against forty-four individuals and entities in order to hold Alyaksandr Lukashenka and his …
Read More» FACT SHEET: Executive Order Imposing Costs on Alyaksandr Lukashenka and Belarusian Authorities for Ongoing Attacks Against Democratic Freedoms, Human Rights, and International Norms AUGUST 09, 2021 Today, on the anniversary of the fraudulent Belarusian election of August 9, 2020, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. signed an Executive Order (E.O.) imposing further consequences upon Alyaksandr Lukashenka …
Read More» August 9, 2021 Treasury uses new sanctions authority in support of the Belarusian people WASHINGTON — Today, on the one-year anniversary of Belarus’s fraudulent August 9, 2020 presidential election, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned 27 individuals and 17 entities pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13405, as well …
Read More» AUGUST 09, 2021 One year ago today, the people of Belarus sought to make their voices heard and shape their own future through that most basic expression of democracy—an election. Rather than respect the clear will of the Belarusian people, the Lukashenka regime perpetrated election fraud, followed by a brutal campaign of repression to stifle …
Read More» AUGUST 09, 2021 By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) (IEEPA), the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.) (NEA), section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 (8 U.S.C. …
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The Embassy of the United States of America in Minsk will be holding an online public disposal sale of used U.S. Government property from July 24, 2021 through July 25, 2021. Among the items to be sold are residential and office furniture, household appliances, computer equipment and other items. Bidders can review and bid on …
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On Recent Developments in Belarus As prepared for prepared for delivery by Chargé d’Affaires Courtney Austrian to the Permanent Council, Vienna June 10, 2021 Thank you, Madam Chair. Circumstances in Belarus worsen by the day. The repression and severe abuses against pro-democracy activists, independent media, members of the opposition, and civil society based on politically-motivated …
Read More» Belarus: Joint comments by the Delegation of the European Union to Belarus together with the diplomatic missions of the EU Member States in Belarus and the Embassies of the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Switzerland and Japan on the 8 June 2021 meeting with Belarusian Foreign Minister Makei Today, Foreign Minister Vladimir Makei …
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For Immediate Release Friday, June 4, 2021 Belarus informed the United States yesterday that it is imposing new limits on American diplomatic and technical personnel at the U.S. Embassy in Minsk, effective June 13. Despite an increasingly restrictive environment for U.S. government programming in Belarus, USAID’s partnership with the Belarusian people continues and remains more …
Read More» MEDIA NOTE OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON MAY 29, 2021 The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of Austria, Bulgaria, Canada, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Latvia, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America. …
Read More» Statement by Press Secretary Jen Psaki on the United States Response to Belarus’s Forced Diversion of Ryanair Flight and Continuing Attack on Fundamental Freedoms MAY 28, 2021 • STATEMENTS AND RELEASES Belarus’s forced diversion of a commercial Ryanair flight under false pretenses, traveling between two member states of the European Union, and the subsequent removal …
Read More» U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson MEDIA NOTE May 27, 2021 G7 Foreign Ministers’ Statement on Belarus The text of the following statement was released by the G7 foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America and the High Representative of the European Union. Begin Text: …
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On the Forced Landing of Ryanair Flight FR4978 and Unjust Detention of Raman Pratasevich As delivered by Chargé d’Affaires Courtney Austrian to the Special Permanent Council, Vienna May 25, 2021 Thank you, Madam Chair. The United States strongly condemns the forced diversion to Minsk of a flight between two EU member states and NATO Allies …
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PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE MAY 23, 2021 The United States strongly condemns the forced diversion of a flight between two EU member states and the subsequent removal and arrest of journalist Raman Pratasevich in Minsk. We demand his immediate release. This shocking act perpetrated by the Lukashenka regime endangered the lives …
Read More» U.S. Embassy Statement May 18, 2021 The United States condemns the Lukashenka regime’s relentless persecution of independent media outlet Tut.by, its journalists and staff. The raids on Tut.by’s offices as well as the homes of staff members under the guise of a spurious tax-fraud investigation are the latest in a series of punitive actions directed …
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STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN April 19, 2021 Revocation of the Authorization of Belarus General License 2G Due to Human Rights Violations and Abuses The U.S. Department of State fully supports the Department of the Treasury’s announcement today on the revocation of the Belarus-related General License (GL) and implementation of a 45-day wind down …
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Recent Developments in Belarus As delivered by Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Elisabeth Rosenstock-Siller to the Permanent Council, Vienna April 16, 2021 Thank you, Madam Chair. While the Permanent Council paused over recess, unfortunately, repression in Belarus did not. We are particularly concerned by the authorities’ provocative, politically-motivated arrest of members of the Belarusian Polish …
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On Recent Developments in Belarus As delivered by Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Elisabeth Rosenstock-Siller to the Permanent Council, Vienna March 25, 2021 Thank you, Madam Chair. I look forward to the day when we will no longer need to raise pressing human rights challenges in Belarus in this chamber, but today is not that …
Read More» March 25, 2021 The Embassy of the United States of America congratulates all Belarusians on the 103rd anniversary of the declaration of the Belarusian People’s Republic of 1918. Though more than a century has passed since the first declaration of statehood, recent events have demonstrated that Belarusians’ struggle for freedom and democracy persists. Currently, Belarusians of …
Read More» March 24, 2021 The United States welcomes and supports the establishment of the International Accountability Platform for Belarus (IAPB), an independent and impartial mechanism to collect and preserve evidence of serious human rights violations and abuses surrounding the 2020 presidential election in Belarus and the Belarusian authorities’ subsequent violent suppression of protests. The aim of the …
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USOSCE: Call for New Dialogue to Lead to New Presidential Election in Belarus As delivered by Chargé d’Affaires Courtney Austrian to the Permanent Council, Vienna March 18, 2021 Thank you, Madam Chair. As President Biden stated, U.S. diplomacy should be rooted in America’s most cherished democratic values: defending freedom, championing opportunity, respecting human rights and the rule …
Read More» March 12, 2021 The United States expresses solidarity with Poland and condemns the expulsion of three diplomatic and consular officials from the Polish Consulates General in Brest and Hrodna. Belarus should uphold its international commitments and obligations on the treatment of diplomats per the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations.
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USOSCE: Role of Women in Belarus’s Fight for Democracy As delivery by Chargé d’Affaires Courtney Austrian to the Permanent Council, Vienna March 11, 2021 Thank you, Madam Chair. Women have long been at the forefront of civil and political rights movements across the globe. As Secretary Blinken said earlier this week, “it is often women who lead the …
Read More» March 2, 2021 The United States condemns the politically motivated convictions and sentences meted out today to a journalist, Katsyaryna Barysevich, and a medical doctor, Artsiom Sarokin, for their role in exposing the truth about Raman Bandarenka’s death while he was in police custody. This criminal case was designed to punish individuals who exposed a …
Read More» Renovation of U.S. Embassy Minsk, Belarus THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE, Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations is requesting submissions of interest from construction firms for a multi-year renovation project on the U.S. Embassy compound located at 46 Starovilenskaya St., in the Storozhovka neighborhood. Interest is being solicited from both American-owned and Non-American owned firms to …
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46th General Session of the UN Human Rights Council Item 2 Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on Belarus U.S. Statement As Delivered by Mark Cassayre The United States remains deeply troubled by the Belarusian government’s crackdown on peaceful protesters, including reports of torture, continued detention of over 200 political prisoners, and refusal to engage in genuine dialogue …
Read More» The United States Embassy in Minsk invites Belarusian scholars to participate in the Study of the U.S. Summer Institutes (SUSI) Program on the following themes in U.S. Studies: American Culture and Values; Journalism and Media; Religious Pluralism in the United States; U.S. Economics and Business; U.S. Foreign Policy; and Workforce Development. The deadline for applications …
Read More» STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN February 18, 2021 The United States remains alarmed by the Lukashenka regime’s continuing violent crackdown on peaceful protesters, pro-democracy activists, and journalists. The February 16 raids on human rights organization Vyasna, the Belarusian Association of Journalists, and independent trade union workers, as well as the February 18 sentencing …
Read More» February 18, 2021 The United States Embassy condemns the political convictions and egregious prison sentences announced today to punish two Belsat journalists for their work in providing information to the public. This judicial action adds to the evidence that the authorities’ objective is not one of justice but rather an attempt to silence the media and limit the …
Read More» Belarus: Joint Statement by the EU Delegation on behalf of the EU Member States represented in Minsk and the Embassies of the United States, the United Kingdom and Switzerland on the harassment of rights defenders, journalists, and trade union activists Minsk, 17/02/2021 The Belarusian authorities continue their increased harassment of the country’s civil society. …
Read More» February 11, 2021 The Lukashenka regime opened its “All-Belarusian People’s Assembly” on February 11, which it claims includes representatives from across Belarus for the purpose of determining the country’s priorities for the next five years and may consider possible amendments to the country’s constitution. Yet this “All-Belarusian People’s Assembly” is neither genuine nor inclusive of Belarusian views and therefore does not address the country’s ongoing political crisis. The government has jailed Belarusian protest leaders, activists, and dissidents – often on falsified charges – and forcibly exiled others. The political prisoners, those in exile, and the estimated 30,000 others arrested since August 2020 deserve …
Read More» February 10, 2021 In Belarus and around the world, United States diplomats — like diplomats from other countries — regularly attend local court proceedings, observe protests and demonstrations, and meet with members of opposition political parties and human rights defenders. United States diplomats do this especially in cases that touch on media freedom, other fundamental …
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February 8, 2021 U.S. Embassy officers observed a February 5 press conference hosted by the Belarusian Association of Journalists concerning the upcoming criminal trial in Minsk against Belsat journalists Katsiaryna Andreyeva (Bakhvalava) and Daria Chultsova on February 9, in which they face up to 3 years of imprisonment. They have been accused of “organizing events seriously undermining …
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February 7, 2021 Every day but especially today, “The Day of Solidarity with Belarus,” the United States stands with the Belarusian people in their yearning for democracy, liberty, and justice. Fundamental freedoms inherently belong to the people of all nations and are long overdue in independent, sovereign Belarus. In December, the United States Congress passed …
Read More» Recent Developments in Belarus As delivered by Chargé d’Affaires Courtney Austrian to the Permanent Council, Vienna February 4, 2021 Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, the United States welcomes this opportunity to recognize the upcoming Day of Solidarity with the people of Belarus this Sunday, February 7. This Monday, we will mark six months of peaceful …
Read More» The United States condemns the January 18 arrest of Leanid Sudalenka, Chairperson of the Homyel branch of Human Rights Organization Viasna, and his assistant Maryya Tarasenka. We call for their immediate release. Rights activists, such as those working with Viasna, are a critical part of civil society in any country, as they observe a country’s human rights record and shed light on and document human …
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On January 14, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Jeffrey Giauque had an introductory meeting with Belarusian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Aleinik. DFM Aleinik recently assumed responsibility for covering the relationship with the United States for the MFA. During the conversation they discussed bilateral relations and U.S. concerns related to the human rights situation in Belarus. In …
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Human Rights Violations in Belarus As delivered by Ambassador James S. Gilmore III to the Permanent Council, Vienna December 17, 2020 Thank you, Mr. Chairperson. Mr. Chairperson, at the final PC of the year, it is appropriate that we take stock of events in Belarus since the fraudulent August 9 presidential election. We continue to …
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Today, the heads of missions of the EU and EU Member States represented in Minsk, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and of the United States of America met with Belarus’ Foreign Minister Vladimir Makei. The diplomats inquired about the Belarusian authorities’ plans with regard to meeting the demands of the country’s constitution and international obligations …
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OSCE Ministerial – Belarus Side Event Closing Remarks As prepared by DAS George Kent to the OSCE Side Event on Belarus Tirana, Albania (remotely, via Zoom) December 3, 2020 As we conclude today’s event, I want to express my government’s thanks to our UK colleagues, the other co-sponsors, and Minister Kofod of Denmark for his …
Read More» STEPHEN BIEGUN, DEPUTY SECRETARY OF STATE VIRTUAL VIA ZOOM TIRANA, ALBANIA DECEMBER 3, 2020 (As Prepared) It is an honor to join Ambassador Gilmore in representing the United States and Secretary Pompeo at this Ministerial. I commend Chair-in-Office Prime Minister Rama for his leadership throughout this year of unprecedented challenges, not least the global …
Read More» The United States condemns the Belarusian authorities’ actions targeting local and foreign journalists. No members of the media should be threatened, physically abused, arrested, or imprisoned by anyone for any reason simply for doing their jobs as journalists. A strong independent media and the free exchange of, and access to, information are essential for rule of law to take root in …
Read More» Joint Statement by the EU Delegation on behalf of the EU Member States represented in Minsk, the British embassy, the Swiss embassy, and the U.S. embassy on the deteriorating human rights situation in Belarus We condemn the increased use of violence and the violations of human and civil rights in Belarus since the fraudulent …
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The U.S. Embassy in Minsk is pleased to announce its annual Fulbright competition for Belarusian scholars for the 2021-2022 academic year. Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program is a non-degree, post-doctoral award program for researchers, university lecturers and experts from academic institutions in Belarus who wish to conduct post-doctoral research, lecture, or pursue combined lecturing and research …
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The United States is shocked and disturbed by the horrible circumstances surrounding the November 12 death of Raman Bandarenka who, according to eyewitness accounts, died from traumatic injuries sustained after brutal beatings by plainclothes police. We extend our condolences to his family and stand in solidarity with all the people of Belarus mourning his loss. We call on the authorities to conduct a transparent investigation and bring to justice those responsible for Mr. Bandarenka’s death. We condemn the ongoing …
Read More» PRESS STATEMENT MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE NOVEMBER 12, 2020 The United States condemns the continued detention of political prisoners in Belarus. More than 100 political prisoners are currently being detained for exercising their human rights and fundamental freedoms by peacefully participating in protests, calling for free and fair elections, and advocating for a …
Read More» PRESS STATEMENT CALE BROWN, DEPUTY SPOKESPERSON NOVEMBER 11, 2020 The United States expresses solidarity with the United Kingdom and condemns the harassment and expulsion of two UK diplomats from Belarus on November 9. This arbitrary and unjustified act by Belarusian authorities is only the latest attempt to hide the daily harassment and repression everyday …
Read More» PRESS STATEMENT MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE NOVEMBER 5, 2020 The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE)’s Moscow Mechanism report on Belarus released on November 5 describes sustained human rights violations and abuses committed on a massive scale and with impunity by the Belarusian authorities during the fraudulent August 9 election and its aftermath. The abuses against peaceful …
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Joint Statement on the Report under The Moscow Mechanism in Relation to Belarus Statement Delivered by H.E. René Rosager Dinesen, Ambassador of Denmark to the Permanent Council, Vienna November 5, 2020 Mr Chair, I am delivering this statement on behalf of the following delegations who, acting together, on 17 September invoked the Moscow Mechanism …
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U.S. National Statement on the Report under The Moscow Mechanism in Relation To Belarus As delivered by Ambassador James S. Gilmore III to the Permanent Council, Vienna November 5, 2020 Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, the United States thanks OSCE Moscow Mechanism Rapporteur Professor Wolfgang Benedek for his compelling, thorough, and exceptionally well documented report. …
Read More» Statement by Acting Administrator John Barsa Monday, November 2, 2020 UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT Office of Press Relations press@usaid.gov Freedom of the press is a cornerstone to every just and free society. Today, on this International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, we salute all journalists, especially those who risk their safety …
Read More» PRESS STATEMENT MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE OCTOBER 28, 2020 The United States welcomes the departure from Belarus of wrongfully detained U.S. citizen Vitali Shkliarov. After three months of wrongful detention and house arrest, Mr. Shkliarov has been reunited with his family and has arrived in the United States. As the President and I …
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Today, Elizabeth Hanny of the U.S. Embassy visited the Yama memorial in Minsk to pay respect to the hundreds of thousands of victims who lost their lives during the Holocaust. The memorial marks the site of the Minsk Ghetto, which was completely destroyed in October 1943 – leaving only 13 survivors. She was heartened to …
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The United States appreciates the opportunity to address the issues of access to information and freedom of the media at today’s webinar. Freedom of information is essential for the implementation of Principle VII of the Helsinki Final Act, which recognizes the right of individuals to know and act upon their human rights and fundamental freedoms, …
Read More» By United States Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom Samuel Brownback and Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Edgars Rinkēvičs Since Alyaksandr Lukashenka falsely claimed a landslide victory in early August in a Belarusian presidential election that was neither free nor fair, peaceful protesters have taken to the streets in the largest numbers in the country’s history. …
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As delivered by Deputy Political Counselor Lane Darnell Bahl to the Permanent Council, Vienna October 15, 2020 Thank you, Mr. Chair. As in recent weeks, today, it is impossible for us to ignore the ongoing events in Belarus. Not a single case has been opened by Belarusian authorities to review ongoing police violence and repression. …
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Spokesperson Lee McManis visited the TUT.BY office today to deliver a letter from the U.S. Embassy’s Charge d’affaires, Jeffrey Giauque, congratulating this media outlet on its 20th anniversary and our wish for TUT.BY to have happy anniversaries into the future. He also delivered for the occasion a celebratory cake, colored with the outlet’s colors of …
Read More» PRESS STATEMENT MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE OCTOBER 2, 2020 Today, in response to the continued, brutal repression of peaceful, pro-democracy protesters in Belarus, the United States and the European Union have taken coordinated action against Belarusian individuals involved in efforts to undermine Belarusian democracy. The U.S. Departments of Treasury and State have exercised separate authorities against 25 Belarusians …
Read More» PRESS RELEASE October 2, 2020 Washington – Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated eight individuals for their roles in the fraudulent August 9, 2020 Belarus presidential election or the subsequent violent crackdown on peaceful protesters. These designations, pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13405, target individuals who are responsible for, …
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As delivered by Ambassador James S. Gilmore III to the Permanent Council, Vienna U.S. Mission OSCE October 1, 2020 Thank you, Mr. Chairman. We must note our disappointment with Belarusian authorities’ decision to hold a secret presidential inauguration on September 23 after fraudulent elections. We remain deeply concerned about their continued crackdown on peaceful protesters. …
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Special Briefing via Telephone Stephen Biegun Deputy Secretary of State September 11, 2020 The Brussels Hub Moderator: Good afternoon from the U.S. State Department’s Brussels Media Hub. I’d like to welcome all participants to today’s telephonic press briefing with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun. Deputy Secretary Biegun will discuss the U.S. response to …
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PRESS STATEMENT MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE AUGUST 20, 2020 The United States has been inspired by the display of peaceful expression of the Belarusian people seeking to determine their own future. We stand by our long-term commitment to support Belarus’ sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as the aspirations of the Belarusian people …
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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson For Immediate Release STATEMENT BY SECRETARY MICHAEL R. POMPEO Belarus National Day July 3, 2020 On behalf of the government of the United States and the American people, I send my congratulations to all Belarusian citizens on the occasion of your Independence Day. The United States strongly supports the continued aspirations of …
Read More» Are you interested in improving your English while practicing the essentials of media literacy? Press Club Belarus and the U.S. Embassy Minsk are pleased to announce a free online course “English for Media Literacy”. Developed by the U.S. Department of State and the University of Pennsylvania, this 8-week course will help you improve your language skills and knowledge of media at …
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STATEMENT BY SECRETARY MICHAEL R. POMPEO May 15, 2020 First Shipment of U.S. Oil to Belarus This week, the first shipment of U.S. crude oil will depart for Belarus. This competitive deal, by U.S. energy trader United Energy Trading, with the assistance of U.S. firm Getka and their Polish partner UNIMOT, strengthens Belarusian sovereignty and independence, demonstrates that the …
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On May 8, 1985, then American President Ronald Reagan delivered a speech to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day. He said “We mark today the anniversary of the liberation of Europe from tyrants who had seized this continent and plunged it into a terrible way. Forty years ago the guns were stilled …
Read More» The goal of the Small Grants Program is to support civil society development in Belarus. This year we are having two calls for proposals. This is the second call for proposals. This call for proposals will be devoted to projects that contribute to: Support to vulnerable and underserviced groups of the population Inclusive development Women’s empowerment and gender …
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Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State On World Press Freedom Day, recognized around the world on May 3, we highlight the critical role of independent media in facilitating the open exchange of information and ideas so vital to free, prosperous, and secure democratic societies. This year, as the world faces the COVID-19 pandemic, it is …
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Frequently Asked Questions from American Citizens regarding March 11 and March 14 Presidential Proclamations 1. Q: I am a U.S. citizen in Europe. Do the March 11 and March 14 Presidential Proclamations prevent me from returning to the United States? A: No. The restrictions do not apply to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents. For the most …
Read More» READOUT OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON MARCH 13, 2020 The below is attributable to Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus: Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo spoke today with Belarusian Foreign Minister Vladimir Makei. Secretary Pompeo thanked Foreign Minister Makei for a successful February 1 visit to Minsk and reiterated U.S. support for Belarusian sovereignty. The Secretary affirmed the willingness of U.S. companies …
Read More» Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State 11/20/2019 09:33 AM EST The United States recognizes the peaceful conduct of the November 17 parliamentary elections in Belarus and the high number of accredited local and international observers. However, election observation missions jointly concluded that “fundamental freedoms were disregarded and the integrity of the election process was not …
Read More» The United States Embassy in Belarus is accepting applications for the Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) competition. This prestigious U.S. Government program has provided direct grant support for cultural preservation projects throughout the world since 2001. The competition is open to Belarusian non-governmental organizations, institutions of culture, museums and other establishments. Funded activities include …
Read More» CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: 09/26/2019 at 11:59 p.m. Kyiv Time Solicitation 72011319R05 for a Development Outreach and Communications Specialist, Cooperating Country National Personal Services Contractor (CCN PSC). MARKET VALUE: Basic Annual rate (in U.S. Dollars): $32,920 to $42,803 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Employment under any contract issued under this solicitation is of a continuing …
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The United States Embassy in Belarus is pleased to announce the competition for the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program for the academic year of 2020-2021. This one-year Fellowship program is offered to young and mid-career professionals who have a proven track record of leadership, a public service commitment, and the capacity to take full advantage …
Read More» For far too long, Russia has violated the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty with impunity, covertly developing and fielding a prohibited missile system that poses a direct threat to our allies and troops abroad. Tomorrow, the United States will suspend its obligations under the INF Treaty and begin the process of withdrawing from the INF …
Read More» Due to the lapse in U.S. government appropriations, the U.S. Embassy in Minsk is required to curtail all public activities, with the exception of “those necessary for emergencies involving the safety of human life or the protection of property, and those necessary for activities essential to national security.” For this reason, and with deep regret, …
Read More» Today, the United States imposed financial sanctions on three individuals and nine entities that are supporting Russia’s attempt to integrate Crimea region of Ukraine through private investment and privatization projects or those that are engaging in serious human rights abuses in furtherance of Russia’s occupation or control over parts of Ukraine. The sanctioned individuals are …
Read More» Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs A. Wess Mitchell will travel to: Minsk, Belarus; Vilnius, Lithuania; and the Hague, Netherlands from October 30 to November 2. On October 30, he will arrive in Minsk, where he will meet with senior Belarusian officials to discuss U.S.-Belarusian cooperation on a range of global issues. …
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Charge d’affaires Jenifer Moore participated in a commemoration, related to the 75th anniversary of the destruction of the Minsk ghetto, at the Yama memorial in Minsk today. October 21-23 in 1943 were the last of the deadly 825 days for 100,000 ghetto prisoners, those local and European Jews who had gone through immense tragedies and …
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Today Chargé d’affaires Robert Riley together with the local government representatives and the head of the Republican scientific technical library opened the eleventh InfoUSA space in Belarus. The U.S. diplomat welcomed all the guests to the new site and highlighted the important role of the partnership projects the Embassy in the country. With help of …
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On August 4, 2017 the U.S. Embassy, the United Nations Office in Belarus and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus held a commemoration ceremony for American Ruth Waller, a member of the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration (UNRRA) Mission in post-war Belarus. UNRRA’s technical and food assistance, to which the United States was …
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Chargé d’affaires Robert Riley and EU Ambassador Andrea Wiktorin met with Minister of Information Liliya Ananich on May 17 to discuss media-related topics.
Read More» The Embassy of the United States of America in Minsk announces the following change to visa processing procedures: Pursuant to the Executive Order entitled “Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States,” signed by President Donald J. Trump on January 27, 2017, the Embassy of the United States of America in Belarus …
Read More» The U.S. Department of State welcomed a Belarusian economic delegation headed by Nikolai Snopkov, Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration, to discuss areas of mutual interest in promoting the economic relationship between our two countries. The delegation, which was in the United States from December 6-9, met with a variety of government officials as well …
Read More» The United States Embassy in Belarus is accepting applications for the Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation competition. This prestigious U.S. Government program has provided direct grant support for cultural preservation projects throughout the world since 2001. The competition is open to Belarusian non-governmental organizations, institutions of culture, museums and other establishments. Funded activities include the …
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Charge d’affaires Robert Riley speaks to the participants of the Global Entrepreneurship Week on November 14. In his welcoming remarks he highlighted the importance of taking risk in exploring new business opportunites.
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Chargé d’affaires Robert Riley welcomed participants to the second day of KEF 2016. In his remarks he highlighted the importance of continuing to improve Belarus’s image abroad in order to attract more foreign investment and speed the rate of inclusive growth.
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On November 4, 2016, during an annual commemoration of the tens of thousands of victims of the Stalinist era, U.S. Chargé d’affaires Robert Riley and heads and representatives of several European missions in Minsk, Belarus, paid their respects at Kurapaty to those executed there between 1937-41
Read More» The U.S. Embassy in Minsk, in conjunction with the Foreign Commercial Service Office at the U.S. Embassy Moscow and close cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, hosted a “Business Briefing” for twelve U.S. companies working in the region to look at opportunities to expand business ties in Belarus. The delegation met with First Deputy …
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December 2015—More and more, tourists in Belarus are choosing to experience life on a farm as well as the beauty and value of natural resources. Agro-ecotourism is on the rise, and so are profits for local businesses. Marketing techniques learned through a USAID project helped one of the sector’s entrepreneurs, Tatiana Isaeva, promote her farmstead …
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On October 23-30, Charge d’Affaires Scott Rauland took part in a week-long United Nations-Belarus joint initiative “UN70 Belarus Express: Towards Partnership for Sustainable Development” to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the foundation of the international organization. Both Belarus and the United States were among the founding nations of the UN, which is headquartered in New …
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On October 26-30, a U.S. country music band “Blended 328” based in Nashville, Tennessee, visited Belarus to play live concerts in Minsk, Gomel, Mogilev and Vitebsk. The musical group joined the United Nations 70th anniversary celebrations campaign in order to highlight universal values of unity, tolerance and peace. The talented musicians of “Blended328” skillfully demonstrated …
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The USAID Belarus Entrepreneurs Support and Training (BEST) project invested in expanding opportunities to boost entrepreneurship and develop a startup infrastructure in Belarus. Perhaps the biggest accomplishment of the USAID Belarus Entrepreneurs Support and Training (BEST) project is BEL.BIZ, a former local online business content provider, which the project transformed into a unique infrastructure …
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On June 4, the Belarusian Union of the Visually Impaired conducted its final conference, which focused on the results of a project supported by the Embassy’s Small Grants Program, “Promoting New Information Resources as a Means of Creating Barrier-Free Environment for the Visually Handicapped. ” The event took place in the IBB Johannes Rau Center. …
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The May 6-10 visit to Belarus of the United State Air Force Europe (USAFE) Band and its participation in the Victory Day celebrations in Belarus acknowledged the role that the Soviet Union played in the defeat of the Nazis and the victorious end of the Second World War. The Band’s visit left a lasting memory …
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Chargé d’affaires Scott Rauland donated on April 30 several U.S. artefacts from WW2 to the Museum of the Great Patriotic War in Minsk. This donation will complement the museum’s section on the Soviet Union’s allies, Lend Lease assistance and the historical meeting of Soviet and American troops along the Elbe river in April-May 1945. The …
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Hubert Van Tuyll, Professor of History from the Regents University at Augusta, Georgia, visited Belarus on April 26-30 to speak before various Belarusian audiences on the issue of U.S. assistance to the Soviet Union during World War II. Totaling $140,000,000,000 in today’s currency, the aid under the Lend-Lease Program, which President Roosevelt pushed Congress to …
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Charge d’affaires Scott Rauland, his wife and three other Embassy employees joined Belarusian environmental activists on April 25 to clean up the 10-km stretch of the Islach River near Minsk in honor of the Earth Day. The action was organized by the “Green Team” travel agency and was attended by volunteers from the international wildlife …
Read More» On Friday, April 17, Charge d ’Affairs Scott Rauland warmly welcomed to the Embassy a group of four American high school students who represented the U.S. at the European Girls’ Mathematical Olympiad held this year in Minsk. The American girls were one of thirty teams involved in the competition and were accompanied by Dr. Mark …
Read More» Scott Rauland, Charge d’Affaires of the Embassy of the United States of America, and Sergei Nalivaiko, Minister of Taxation, signed an intergovernmental agreement today between Belarus and the United States of America to implement the U.S. Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA). The agreement signed today provides the necessary legal framework for Belarusian financial institutions …
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Five documentary films showcasing various aspects of life in the United States will be shown during the American Film Showcase festival that opens on February 23 at the Pobeda movie theater in Minsk and lasts until Friday, February 27. Two movie experts from the United States will be special guests at the festival. Director and …
Read More» “To stay on top you should always strive for innovation, explore the best practices in the field, offer new courses in a timely manner, and adjust your program to the current needs of business.” A joint venture between two universities in Belarus and Lithuania is allowing students to earn advanced degrees in property management, with …
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A U.S. Embassy delegation headed by Chargé d’affaires Scott Rauland marked the 269th birthday of U.S. Revolutionary War hero Tadeusz Kosciuszko, who is also considered a hero by many others as well, including in Belarus, Poland and France. Rauland, accompanied by Assistant Army Attaché Major Janis Mikits from the U.S. Embassy Kyiv, brought the museum …
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On October 28-30, 2014 Chargé d’Affaires Scott Rauland visited Grodno. The trip—his second official travel to Belarusian regions–included meetings with a wide spectrum of Belarusians, from local authorities to NGO activists and private entrepreneurs. Looking for ways to expand engagement with Belarus, the United States attaches great importance to cultural and educational ties, Chargé Rauland …
Read More» On August 28, 2014 the Embassy hosted its tenth annual festival of Belarusian music. Known as Ambasovishcha — now accessible to wider audiences within and without Belarus due to the live stream from the event on YouTube — the festival featured ten bands representing a variety of genres, from metal to folk, including an artist …
Read More» Over 80 students, librarians, museum workers, artists and visitors gathered at the National Library of Belarus to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War. During opening remarks for the “Call Over Centuries” Exhibit on August 7, 2014, Chargé d’Affaires Scott Rauland said, “Today we are here to commemorate the 100th …
Read More» On August 4, Charge d’Affaires Scott Rauland and UN Permanent Representative Sanaka Samarasinha held a joint commemorative event Minsk in honor of American Ruth Waller who died in Minsk on that day in 1946. A native of California, Ruth came to the war-ravaged and famined Belarus as an employee of the Belarus Mission of the …
Read More» On July 30, Chargé d ’Affaires Scott Rauland met with the three young Belarusians who won Fulbright Foreign Student Program scholarships and are heading to the USA to pursue their Master’s degrees at American Universities. The Chargé remarked that Fulbright is one of the most efficient exchange programs that promote mutual understanding between the people …
Read More» Two members of the U.S. national ice hockey team, Julie Chu and Hilary Knight, are visiting Belarus from May 11 through 17 as Sports Envoys to take part in a series of U.S. embassy-sponsored events in connection with the Ice Hockey World Championships in Minsk. As well as their most recent silver medals from the …
Read More» On April 22-27, 2014 the Chair of U.S. Commission for the Preservation of America’s Heritage Abroad, Lesley Weiss, visited Belarus to discuss protection and preservation of places of worship, historic sites, cemeteries, and memorials associated with the heritage of Americans with roots in Belarus. During her visit, Lesley Weiss held a wide-range of meetings, from …
Read More» On March 20, 2014, on her first trip outside of Minsk just one month after arrival in the country, Public Affairs Officer Robin Solomon traveled to Vitebsk, Belarus’ northernmost regional city. Speaking at the international conference “Dialogue on Languages and Cultures in the Twenty-First Century” before the audience of over 200 students, city officials, diplomats …
Read More» A real American bluegrass band Barbara Lamb and the Sheepless Knights will perform at the Minsk State Philharmonic Hall on March 11. From lightning-fast Earl Scruggs banjo tunes to sweet waltzes and the tightest three-part bluegrass harmony singing in America, Barbara Lamb and the Sheepless Knights deliver traditional and progressive bluegrass music from Nashville, Tennessee. …
Read More» “In the U.S. legal clinics, students deal with a wide range of issues from different social areas. Inspired by my American experience, I adapted this approach in my work.” Yulia Khvatik is a leader in developing legal clinics in Belarus, which allow law students to develop practical skills under the mentorship of professional lawyers and …
Read More» Note: Names have been changed to protect the privacy of individuals. In Belarus, over 20,000 children are members of at-risk families. Their parents struggle to comply with parental responsibilities, address basic needs, and provide proper supervision. Exposure to abuse and neglect early on adversely affects children’s physical, emotional, and intellectual development. Growing up in a …
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