STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN December 14, 2021 The United States condemns today’s politically motivated convictions of Belarusian opposition figures Syarhey Tsikhanouski, Mikalai Statkevich, Radio Liberty journalist Ihar Losik, and others in judicial proceedings that do not conform to the rule of law. Belarusian courts harshly sentenced Mr. Tsikhanouski to 18 years, Mr. Statkevich …
Read More»
Invocation of the Vienna Mechanism on Belarus As delivered by Chargé d’Affaires Courtney Austrian to the Permanent Council, Vienna November 4, 2021 Thank you, Mr. Chair. The United States fully aligns with the joint statement delivered by the United Kingdom. I would also like to add a few words in my national capacity. We remain …
Read More» STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN September 6, 2021 The Sentencing of Belarusian Opposition Figures Maria Kalesnikava and Maksim Znak The United States condemns the politically motivated conviction and shameful sentencing today of Belarusian opposition figures Maria Kalesnikava and Maksim Znak. Ms. Kalesnikava, a recipient of this year’s International Women of Courage Award, was given …
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. …
Read More»
PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE JUNE 21, 2021 The United States has taken action against dozens of Belarusian individuals and entities in response to last month’s forced diversion of a commercial Ryanair flight between two European Union member states and the politically motivated arrest of journalist Raman Pratasevich and Sofiya Sapega. These …
Read More» U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson MEDIA NOTE June 21, 2021 Joint Statement on Belarus The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America, Canada and the United Kingdom, and the European External Action Service. Begin Text: We are united in our deep concern regarding …
Read More»
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 …
Read More»
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: …
Read More»
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 …
Read More»
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 …
Read More»
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 …
Read More»
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 …
Read More»
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 …
Read More» MEDIA NOTE OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON MARCH 22, 2021 Counselor of the Department Derek Chollet spoke today with Belarusian Foreign Minister Vladimir Makei about the situation in Belarus and the current state of U.S.-Belarus bilateral relations. Counselor Chollet made clear the need for the immediate release of all political prisoners in Belarus without exception, specifically …
Read More»
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.
Read More»
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»
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» 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» 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 …
Read More»
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 …
Read More»
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»
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 …
Read More»
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»
On Human Rights Violations in Belarus As delivered by Ambassador James S. Gilmore III to the Permanent Council, Vienna November 19, 2020 Thank you, Mr. Chairperson. The European Union is right. And we follow on behind their statement. The right to peaceful assembly is one that Americans jealously defend. But it’s more than that, Mr. Chairperson. …
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 …
Read More»
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 …
Read More»
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 …
Read More»
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 …
Read More» U.S. Mission to the United Nations New York, New York October 26, 2020 Joint Statement on the Human Rights Situation in Belarus The following is a joint statement from the United States with Albania, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, …
Read More»
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. …
Read More»
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. …
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, …
Read More»
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. …
Read More»
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 …
Read More»
Q The protests in Belarus continue, as well as the crackdown on the opposition. What concrete step is the President going to take to support Belarusians in their struggle for democracy and to stop human rights abuses? MS. MCENANY: Yeah, it’s another very good question. The U.S. is extremely concerned by continued human rights violations …
Read More» PRESS STATEMENT MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE SEPTEMBER 8, 2020 The United States is deeply concerned by the reported abduction September 7 in Belarus of Coordination Council member Mariya Kalesnikava, Spokesman Anton Rodnenkou, and Executive Secretary Ivan Krautsou, and the attempted forced expulsion over the border to Ukraine September 8. We commend the courage …
Read More»
Attacks on Freedom of Opinion and Expression and Media Freedom in Belarus As delivered by Ambassador James S. Gilmore III to the Permanent Council, Vienna September 3, 2020 Recalling the joint project and declaration that the United States and Belarus offered at the last Ministerial, I can assure the members of the goodwill of the …
Read More»
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 …
Read More»
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»
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»
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 …
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»
Department of State Office of the Spokesperson Press Statement by Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State December 10, 2019 In 1948, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) to identify common rights and freedoms for all people in all nations. An American, former first lady Eleanor Roosevelt, chaired the …
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»
Remarks Acting Assistant Secretary Ambassador Philip T. Reeker Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Yom HaShoah reception U.S. Diplomacy Center Pavilion, Department of State Thanks, Tom. I am delighted to be here today. I bring you greetings from Secretary Pompeo. I was just with him in his office discussing a number of current policy issues. …
Read More» On Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, and during this week of solemn remembrance, we honor the six million Jewish men, women, and children who were brutally murdered by the Nazi regime. We also remember the Roma and Sinti, persons with disabilities, Poles and Slavic ethnic groups, Soviet prisoners of war, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and persons who …
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» Today, we commemorate the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists. We renew our steadfast commitment to promoting a free and independent press and advocating for accountability against those who commit violence or other crimes against journalists. Commemorating this day is particularly important this year, as we continue to seek all facts in …
Read More» Today we commemorate the 20th anniversary of the signing of the 1998 International Religious Freedom Act (IRF Act) into law. The IRF Act expanded U.S. foreign policy capabilities to promote and defend religious freedom around the world. It builds on our founding fathers’ firm conviction that the freedom of individuals to believe as they see …
Read More» U.S. Department Of State Office of the Spokesperson Statement By Heather Nauert, Spokesperson June 18, 2018 The United States is deeply concerned by the growing number of individuals—now more than 150—identified by credible human rights organizations as political and religious prisoners held by the government of the Russian Federation. We are especially concerned about the …
Read More» One hundred years ago, the Brest-Litovsk Treaty was signed. A horrible war receded from this land but left conflict, grief and debris in its wake. And unfortunately the peace that ensued did not last long. World War I left an indelible mark on mankind. Together with embassies of other countries, which fought in “the Great …
Read More»
On behalf of the American people, best wishes to the people of Belarus celebrating Independence Day. The United States remains committed to working with the government and people of Belarus to support the country’s sovereignty and independence, increasing respect for democratic institutions and fundamental freedoms, and promoting a thriving economy. Through continued diplomatic and people-to-people …
Read More»
President Trump delivered this inaugural address on January 20, 2017. THE PRESIDENT: Chief Justice Roberts, President Carter, President Clinton, President Bush, President Obama, fellow Americans, and people of the world: thank you. We, the citizens of America, are now joined in a great national effort to rebuild our country and restore its promise for all of …
Read More»
Good afternoon, everybody. Yesterday, before votes were tallied, I shot a video that some of you may have seen in which I said to the American people: Regardless of which side you were on in the election, regardless of whether your candidate won or lost, the sun would come up in the morning. And that …
Read More»
Thank you all for coming here so late in the day. I am pleased to be back in Minsk. Today, I had positive meetings with Foreign Minister Vladimir Makei, representatives of opposition parties, members of civil society, and human rights activists to discuss the depth and breadth of our bilateral relationship. As part of this …
Read More»
On August 8, Colonel Michael C. VanDeVelde received accreditation from the Government of Belarus as non-resident Defense Attaché from the United States of America to the Republic of Belarus. His Belarusian counterpart Lieutenant Colonel Andrei Mishuta will be accredited as a non-resident Defense Attaché in Washington, D.C. this month. Colonel VanDeVelde’s accreditation represents the next …
Read More»
Press Statement John Kirby Assistant Secretary and Department Spokesperson, Bureau of Public Affairs Washington, DC July 20, 2016 We are shocked and saddened by the killing of Ukrainska Pravda journalist Pavel Sheremet in a car bombing in Kyiv. We join the government of Ukraine in support of a full and impartial investigation that will bring those responsible …
Read More»
On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I congratulate the people of Belarus on the anniversary of Belarus’ declaration of independence from the Soviet Union on July 27, 1990, and on the officially observed Independence Day on July 3. I also congratulate the people of Minsk on the anniversary of the liberation of …
Read More»
Ladies and gentlemen, friends and colleagues, welcome to our celebration of American Independence Day! Let me begin with a special thanks for our sponsors, and for my colleagues at the U.S. Embassy, who made generous investments of money, time, and in at least one case – a beautiful cake – to make this evening …
Read More»
Honorable officials, Fellow diplomats, Dear friends, Today is one of those occasions which highlight the best in our two peoples—the dramatic and glorious history of our partnership to defeat the greatest enemy of the 20th Century. It is an occasion for Americans to pay respect to the sacred ground in and around Brest Fortress. We …
Read More» Today we are here to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of World War I, to honor those who served in that war in defense of liberty and their countries, and to promote mutual history and values. We are pleased to share with you our American Embassy exhibit entitled “WWI in American Posters, Books, …
Read More»Footer Disclaimer
