Over 1,500 Political Prisoners in Belarus

Statement By Secretary Antony J. Blinken May 20, 2023 On the eve of the Day of Solidarity with Belarusian Political Prisoners, we condemn the Lukashenka regime in Belarus for unjustly holding over 1,500 political prisoners. These men and women have been arrested and incarcerated for exercising their human rights and fundamental freedoms in pursuit of …

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Release of the President’s National Security Strategy

PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE OCTOBER 12, 2022 The United States’  National Security Strategy lays out a vision for a free, open, secure, and prosperous world and a comprehensive plan to realize it.  This is not just our vision, but one shared by many other countries that seek to live in a world that respects …

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UN General Assembly Resolution Condemning Russia’s Attempted Annexation of Ukraine’s Territory

Press Statement Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State October 12, 2022   Today’s remarkable vote at the United Nations General Assembly is a powerful reminder that the overwhelming majority of nations stand with Ukraine, in defense of the UN Charter, and in resolute opposition to Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine and its people.   Territorial …

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Political Prisoners in Belarus

PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE JANUARY 27, 2022 The Lukashenka regime now holds more than 1,000 political prisoners.  These Belarusians, from all walks of life, have been arrested and confined simply because they peacefully exercised their rights to freedom of expression and assembly in response to a fraudulent election and the Lukashenka …

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Accountability for the Lukashenka Regime’s Continued Acts of Repression and Disregard for International Norms

 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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Commemorating the International Day of Democracy

STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN September 14, 2021 On this International Day of Democracy, we underscore our support for democracy as we strive toward a more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable world. The United States places democracy and human rights at the center of our foreign policy; they are essential elements in achieving and sustaining peace and stability …

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State Department Meetings with Leader of the Democratic Opposition of Belarus Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya

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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Secretary Blinken releases the Human Rights Report 2020

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 …

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Imposing Sanctions and Visa Restrictions on Additional Individuals and Entities Undermining Belarusian Democracy

PRESS STATEMENT MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE DECEMBER 23, 2020 Today, the United States is taking action against individuals and entities involved in efforts to undermine Belarusian democracy. Specifically, the U.S. Departments of State and of Treasury have exercised their respective authorities against 40 individuals and four entities involved in electoral fraud and human rights abuses surrounding the fraudulent election …

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On the Exile of Catholic Archbishop Kondrusiewicz

On the Exile of Catholic Archbishop Kondrusiewicz PRESS STATEMENT MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE OCTOBER 13, 2020 More than 40 days have passed since Belarusian authorities prevented a fellow citizen, Catholic Archbishop Kondrusiewicz, from re-entering the country, on the spurious notion that faith leaders should not publicly challenge injustices. Their action is itself an …

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Excerpt from Secretary Pompeo’s remarks at a joint press availability on 9/16/2020

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 …

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Presidential Elections in Belarus

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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Secretary Pompeo’s Remarks on the Release of the 2019 International Religious Freedom Report

REMARKS TO THE PRESS MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE PRESS BRIEFING ROOM WASHINGTON, DC JUNE 10, 2020 SECRETARY POMPEO:  Good morning, everyone.  It’s great to be with you all today.  I’m here one more time, proudly, to talk about freedom and free societies.  And while America is not a perfect nation by any means, we always strive towards that more …

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State Secretary Pompeo On the Occasion of Eid al-Fitr

PRESS STATEMENT MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE MAY 23, 2020 Susan and I extend our warmest wishes to Muslims around the world who are celebrating Eid al-Fitr. Over the past month, Muslims at home and abroad have fasted, centered around spiritual reflection, community and values of gratitude, compassion, and generosity, and have adapted to practicing their faith and observing Ramadan …

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On First Shipment of U.S. Oil to Belarus  

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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Trial of Four Suspects in MH17 Case

PRESS STATEMENT MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE MARCH 8, 2020 The United States welcomes tomorrow’s commencement of the criminal trial in the Netherlands of four individuals indicted for the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17. As the trial begins, we recall the UN Security Council’s demand that “those responsible … be held to account …

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Crimea is Ukraine

Press Statement Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State February 26, 2020 February 27 will mark the sixth anniversary of Russia’s attempted annexation of Ukraine’s Crimean peninsula, and the United States reaffirms: Crimea is Ukraine. As underscored in our July 2018 Crimea Declaration, the United States does not and will not ever recognize Russia’s claims of …

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Secretary Michael R. Pompeo And Belarusian Foreign Minister Vladimir Makei REMARKS

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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Secretary Pompeo’s Meeting with Belarusian President Lukashenka

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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Secretary Pompeo’s Statement on Additional U.S. Contribution to Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation

Press Statement by Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State January 27, 2020 To honor Holocaust victims, to preserve the Auschwitz and Birkenau Memorial and Museum so future generations never forget, and to further efforts to combat contemporary forms of anti-Semitism, the Department of State, working with Congress, intends to contribute an additional $2 million to …

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Secretary Pompeo’s Travel to the UK, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan

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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Statement by Secretary Pompeo: Crimea Declaration

Michael R. Pompeo Secretary of State Washington, DC July 25, 2018 Crimea Declaration Russia, through its 2014 invasion of Ukraine and its attempted annexation of Crimea, sought to undermine a bedrock international principle shared by democratic states: that no country can change the borders of another by force. The states of the world, including Russia, …

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On LGBTI Pride Month

Mike Pompeo Secretary of State Washington, DC June 1, 2018 The United States joins people around the world in celebrating Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Intersex (LGBTI) Pride Month, and reaffirms its commitment to protecting and defending the human rights of all, including LGBTI persons. In many parts of the world, LGBTI individuals and their …

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On the Opening of U.S. Embassy Jerusalem

Mike Pompeo Secretary of State Washington, DC May 14, 2018   Today I am proud to celebrate the opening of the United States Embassy to Israel in Jerusalem. This significant event fulfills a promise made by President Trump. As he proclaimed on December 6, 2017, “Seventy years ago, the United States, under President Truman, recognized …

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