Chargé d’Affaires Michael Scanlan speaks at Minsk Forum XIII

November 5, 2010
Minsk, Belarus

On November 5, 2010, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Michael Scanlan took part in the Minsk Forum XIII and spoke about the future of U.S.-Belarusian relations. The Chargé d’Affaires noted that a meaningful improvement in human rights, including but not limited to freedom of assembly, association, and expression, is fundamental to improving bilateral relations and would result in moderation of U.S. sanctions.
 
Michael Scanlan noted that the upcoming December 19 Presidential elections provide an excellent opportunity for the Belarusian authorities to meet international standards and norms. Unfortunately, since international observation of Belarusian elections began in 1996, not a single election has met the basic OSCE commitments for genuinely democratic elections. 
December 19 elections should be marked by independent, pluralistic electoral commissions with all candidates represented. “Regrettably, we have seen this has not been the case to date. The formation of the territorial electoral commissions and, according to initial reports, the formation of precinct election commissions, does not reflect these international standards. We hope this can be corrected”, Michael Scanlan said.
 
He also noted there should be meaningful and unfettered access to the state media for all candidates, including live debates, so that Belarusians can have all the information they need.  Moreover, there must be independent observation by both local and international observers of both early voting and of the vote count at all levels. “A legitimate process engenders a legitimate outcome,” Scanlan noted.  This is very important for Belarus both internally and externally, Mr. Scanlan added
 
The Chargé once again repeated that the United States is interested in a fair, transparent, genuine democratic process fully in line with the international standards, not in the election of a specific candidate or outcome. He stressed that these elections can serve as a first step in addressing the broader issue of human rights.