2002 press releases

Belarus Attacks on Press, Demonstrators Concern U.S. (April 25, 2002)

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Mr. Chairman, respect for freedom of expression and freedom of assembly represent core OSCE commitments and are central to the development of democratic institutions.

In this light, we are concerned about continued attacks on the independent press and peaceful demonstrations in Belarus. These attacks contravene OSCE commitments and undermine civil society. These attacks also undermine the ability of Belarus to have normal relations with other countries.

On April 12, the prosecution of independent journalists and the closure of the independent newspaper, Pagonya, drew the attention of the OSCE's Representative on Freedom of the Media as well as that of the Permanent Council.

On April 19, riot police arrested approximately 100 individuals participating in a demonstration organized by the Belarusian NGOs Zubr and Charter 97 against living conditions in Belarus. Reports indicate that 33 demonstrators were sentenced to between 3 and 15 days under detention and that another 10 people were fined 200,000 to 1,700,000 roubles.

Mr. Chairman, international organizations, including the OSCE, applauded the emergence of civil society, in the aftermath of last September's Presidential election in Belarus. Continued attacks on civil society, however, will only set back the potential of Belarus to become a vibrant, democratic society.

On April 18, Secretary General Kubis articulated the Chair's right to appoint a Special Envoy as reflected in OSCE documents and long established practice.

The Chair's appointment of Ambassador Heiken as Special Envoy in Matters of Cooperation with Belarus clearly reflects good faith and good will on the Chair's part to strengthen the relationship of the OSCE with Belarus as represented by the OSCE Mission in Belarus in a cooperative and constructive spirit.

Belarus has stressed its commitment to continued cooperation with the OSCE, including with the Advisory and Monitoring Group (AMG). Given actions to the contrary, however, only concrete reciprocation of the Chair's good faith by Belarus can reassure the international community, not only in Vienna but elsewhere, that Belarus shares the Chair's commitment to cooperation.

Thank you very much.