2006 press releases

"Dipmission: Impossible" Program Brings Disinformation, Distortion and Distraction (March 17, 2006)

Wednesday's special program on Belarusian State Television (BT), titled "DipMission: Impossible," continues Belarusian state media's series of false and misleading programs about the Unite States and its diplomatic mission in Belarus.

The program depicts normal diplomatic activities of U.S. diplomats as secretive, deceptive and illegal or inappropriate interference in Belarusian internal affairs.

Nothing could be farther from the truth. As diplomats do in virtually any other country, U.S. diplomats in Belarus engage with Belarusian and legal organizations and parties across the full political, social and economic spectrum, including government officials. It is the task of the American embassy in Belarus to explain the United States to Belarusians and cooperate with Belarusians in projects of mutual interest and benefit to the peoples of both our countries.

Unfortunately, Belarusian authorities, through such state media programs, appear to be deliberately promoting a false image of the United States and other countries that seek a more cooperative relationship with Belarus. This approach only discredits the Belarusian authorities and does nothing to facilitate positive relations with the United States as Belarusian authorities frequently claim is their desire.