2004 press releases

Ambassador Krol's Statement on the Anniversary of Chernobyl Disaster (April 26, 2004)

Today, we at the American Embassy in Minsk join all Belarusians to commemorate eighteen years since the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. On this day, as throughout the past eighteen years, the memories and sympathy of many Americans are with the people of Belarus, particularly those whose lives this horrible catastrophe dramatically changed.

Over the past eighteen years, but particularly since Belarus became a sovereign, independent state, the United States of America has been helping Belarus alleviate the enormous burden the Chernobyl disaster has put on the Belarusian economy, health care system, and parents who want to see their children grow up in a safe environment. The U.S. Government, through the Department of State and the U.S. European Command, as well as numerous private American charity organizations and citizens, have contributed more than $200 million in medicines and commodities. Much of this assistance has focused on helping people in the areas the Chernobyl disaster most directly affected.

In July 2001 the Blood Transfusion Laboratory at the Gomel Emergency Hospital was completed, serving the needs of the people of Gomel and Gomel oblast. The U.S. contribution to this project amounted to $420,000. In 2003 an additional $190,000 was donated to begin renovation of the second building of the Gomel Emergency Hospital. Also, $100,000 is being donated to the Turov Regional Hospital for the establishment of a regional rehabilitation center for victims of Chernobyl and for people living in Chernobyl-affected areas. In addition, thousands of Belarusian children living in Chernobyl-affected areas have been brought to the United States for rehabilitation.

Disasters of the scope of Chernobyl transcend national boundaries and politics. So do human responsibility and kindness. American assistance is not charity but a responsibility Americans and all nations owe our fellow human beings in Belarus. Americans, and especially the American Embassy in Belarus, remain committed to working with the people of Belarus to help overcome the sad legacy of Chernobyl.