1998 press releases

Further Violation of Vienna Convention (July 6, 1998)

The Government of Belarus has once again escalated its assault on the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. In Minsk, Belarus officials removed the fences protecting our Ambassador's residence. This was done without permission or prior notice. Additionally, an individual who claimed to represent the Government of Belarus was observed walking inside the grounds of our property.

Previously, we had informed the Government of Belarus that we intended to post our own guards on the property, only to be told that this was not acceptable. By refusing to allow us to guard our property, Belarus took on the responsibility of protecting that property from unlawful intrusions. Now, the Belarusian regime has chosen to ignore Vienna Convention principles against entering a diplomatic residence without permission.

We remind the Belarusian regime that the residence of a Chief of Mission is clearly protected by the Vienna Convention. We expect the Government of Belarus immediately to replace the fences that have been removed, to remove its representatives from our property, to permit us to post our own guards on the property, and allow us access to the property without hindrance.