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» MEDIA NOTE OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON DECEMBER 2, 2021 The text of the following statement was released by the United States of America, Canada, the European Union and the United Kingdom. Begin Text: Today, in response to the continuing attacks on human rights and fundamental freedoms in Belarus, disregard for international norms and repeated acts of repression, we have …
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STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN DECEMBER 2, 2021 In coordination with international allies and partners, today we are taking additional measures to raise the cost on Alyaksandr Lukashenka and his regime for their ongoing attacks on democracy, human rights, and international norms, and for their brutal repression of Belarusians both inside and outside the …
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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 …
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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 …
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UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT Office of Press Relations For Immediate Release October 29, 2021 STATEMENT BY USAID ADMINISTRATOR SAMANTHA POWER U.S. Government Operations in Belarus The Government of Belarus informed the United States on October 20 that it will force the closure of the Embassy’s Public Diplomacy and USAID offices in Minsk, effective …
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» On August 9, the one-year anniversary of Belarus’s fraudulent presidential election, the United States, in coordination with Allies and partners, unveiled new tools to hold Alyaksandr Lukashenka and his regime to account for the continued, violent repression of Belarusians both inside and outside the country. Today, the Lukashenka regime responded with threats, attempts to intimidate, …
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» Department Press Briefing – July 20, 2021 NED PRICE, DEPARTMENT SPOKESPERSON JULY 20, 2021 We stand with the people of Belarus and members of its civil society. We support their aspirations for a democratic, free, and prosperous future. We also echo their calls for the regime to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms. And so we are committed to …
Read More» Statement by NSC Spokesperson Emily Horne on National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan’s Meeting with Opposition Leader Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya of Belarus THE WHITE HOUSE JULY 20, 2021 National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met today with democratic opposition leader Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya of Belarus. Mr. Sullivan conveyed American support for the people of Belarus and respect for the …
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Office of the Spokesperson July 19, 2021 The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price: Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland and Counselor of the Department Derek Chollet met with Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya, leader of the democratic opposition of Belarus in Washington, D.C. Secretary of State Antony Blinken joined the group for part of the …
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Until further notice, Embassy Minsk will pause scheduling new non-emergency, non-immigrant visa appointments. If you already have a scheduled appointment for a visa interview, we are looking forward to seeing you soon. Please arrive on time and with the appropriate documents. Services for American citizens will continue. Please monitor the Embassy’s social media accounts for regular updates regarding …
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 …
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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 …
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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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NED PRICE, DEPARTMENT SPOKESPERSON WASHINGTON, DC MARCH 31, 2021 The United States has looked to improve the tenor of our bilateral relationship with Belarus; that effort has received broad bi-partisan support across administrations. We still want to see Belarus succeed as an independent, prosperous, democratic country. However, the events surrounding the conduct of the fraudulent …
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On March 30, 2021, the State Department released the 2020 country reports on human rights practices. Secretary Blinken (Mar. 30) (Twitter) on the report: “Honored to release the 45th annual Human Rights Report. It demonstrates that human rights, transparency and accountability are at the forefront of U.S. foreign policy. We acknowledge the work ahead and …
Read More» Press Release December 23, 2020 Washington – Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated one individual and four entities for their roles in the fraudulent August 9, 2020, presidential election in Belarus and the subsequent violent crackdown on peaceful pro-democracy protests. These designations, pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) …
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STATEMENT BY MORGAN ORTAGUS, SPOKESPERSON September 18, 2020 OSCE Invokes Moscow Mechanism over Credible Reports of Human Rights Abuses and Election Irregularities in Belarus On September 17, 17 participating States of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), including the United States, took the important step of invoking the OSCE’s “Moscow Mechanism” to establish an Expert Mission to …
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Invoking the Moscow Mechanism in Relation to Serious Human Rights Violations in Belarus As delivered by U.K. Ambassador Neil Bush to the Permanent Council, Vienna September 17, 2020 I am delivering this statement on behalf of the following delegations: Belgium, Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, the Netherlands, Poland, …
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Secretary Michael R. Pompeo and UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab at a Press Availability REMARKS TO THE PRESS MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE WASHINGTON, D.C. SEPTEMBER 16, 2020 “We also discussed the need for every nation – especially Russia – to respect the sovereignty of Belarus. The Belarusians protesting what were falsified election results …
Read More» U.S. Embassy, Minsk Statement by Department of State Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus August 29, 2020 Belarus – Targeting and Detaining Journalists and Blocking Internet Access Must Cease We are concerned by the continued targeting of journalists, the blocking of independent media and opposition websites, intermittent internet blackouts, and random detentions of peaceful citizens exercising their rights …
Read More» Joint Statement by the Missions of the United States, the United Kingdom, Switzerland and the European Union on behalf of the EU Member States represented in Minsk on the use of violence and repression in Belarus Minsk, 28/08/2020 Recalling our earlier comments and statements, we stand in solidarity with the people of Belarus who demand …
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As delivered by Deputy Secretary Stephen E. Biegun to the Special Permanent Council, Vienna August 28, 2020 Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for calling this important meeting today. And it is an honor to be here with all of you. Earlier this week, I had the privilege of meeting in Vilnius with Belarusian opposition candidate Sviatlana …
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Excerpt from the White House press briefing 8/10 with Kayleigh McEnany on Belarus: “We’re deeply concerned by the Belarus presidential election. Severe restrictions on ballot access for candidates, prohibition of local independent observers at polling stations, intimidation of opposition candidates, and the detention of peaceful protesters and journalists have marred the process, and we urge …
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PRESS STATEMENT MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE AUGUST 10, 2020 The United States is deeply concerned about the conduct of the August 9 presidential election in Belarus, which was not free and fair. Severe restrictions on ballot access for candidates, prohibition of local independent observers at polling stations, intimidation tactics employed against opposition candidates, …
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 16, 2020 THE UNITED STATES PROVIDES ADDITIONAL COVID- 19 FUNDING TO UNICEF BELARUS June 16, 2020 – The United States, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), has provided to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) an additional $450,000 to support Belarus’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This funding was …
Read More» The United States Government, through USAID, has committed an additional $450,000 to support Belarus’ ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These funds are in addition to the almost $1.3 million in U.S. government funds previously contributed to Belarus’ pandemic response, bringing the total provided to $1.7 million. This assistance will continue facilitating risk communication and …
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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 February 25, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency signed a memorandum of understanding with the State Forensic Examination Committee of the Republic of Belarus. This newly signed document reinforces the United States’ and Belarus’s commitment to cooperate on mutual law enforcement activities and to combatting drug-related crimes.
Read More» REMARKS MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE AT A PRESS AVAILABILITY MINSK, BELARUS FEBRUARY 1, 2020 MODERATOR: (Via interpreter) Good afternoon, colleagues. Let’s start our press conference because we are quite pressed for time. I give the floor to the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Belarus Vladimir Makei. FOREIGN MINISTER MAKEI: (Via interpreter) Distinguished Mr. Secretary …
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READOUT OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON FEBRUARY 1, 2020 Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo met today with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenka in Minsk, Belarus. Secretary Pompeo and President Lukashenka discussed U.S. commitment to a sovereign, independent, and prosperous Belarus. The Secretary highlighted the recent agreement to exchange ambassadors as another affirmation of our desire to …
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“On the Road: American Travel Writing” XXVII Minsk International Book Fair February 5 – 9, 2020 U.S. Embassy Booth at BelExpo National Exhibition Center, 14 Pobediteley Avenue Wednesday, February 5 12:00 – 14:00 Official opening 14:00 – 15:30 “The Not-Quite States of America: Dispatches from the Territories and Other Far-Flung Outposts of …
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U.S Department of State Press Statement Morgan Ortagus, Department Spokesperson January 24, 2020 Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo will travel to London, UK; Kyiv, Ukraine; Minsk, Belarus; Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan; and Tashkent, Uzbekistan January 29 to February 4. Secretary Pompeo will travel to London on January 29, where he will meet with UK Prime Minister …
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Chargé d’Affaires Jenifer Moore met the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus Oleg Kravchenko on November 27 to discuss bilateral relations and prospects for further development between the two countries. They also discussed the Mr. Kravchenko’s recent visit to Washington, D.C. Add a translation in Беларуская мова
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On August 29, during his first official visit to Minsk, National Security Advisor John Bolton met with President Alexander Lukashenka to discuss security issues and the bilateral relationship. Advisor Bolton also visited the Yama memorial and paid respects to the victims of the tragedy and to those Americans who survived or lost relatives during the …
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