2000 press releases

Head of U.S. Mission to OSCE on Remarks by ODIHR on Belarus (October 5, 2000)

Madame Chairperson, we listened carefully to Ambassador Stoudmann's remarks and share his concerns about election preparations in Belarus.

In August, the Belarusian Government promised to meet the criteria established by the international community in May. But, two weeks before the elections, with President Lukashenko's September 29 speech to the Congress of Soviets, it is clear to us that there is no intention to do so. Given the continued arrests of those advocating an election boycott, given the presence of militia and the use of video cameras at demonstrations, given denial of registration of opposition figures on grounds as frivolous as failure to disclose receipt of a sum equivalent to $.50, we must agree with ODIHR's conclusion that the "period of peace has not been achieved."

Under current conditions, it is difficult to see how a free, fair, and transparent election can take place.The Third Technical Group was correct in recommending against observation of these elections and no one should misconstrue the presence of international experts as legitimization of them.

We reaffirm our support for ODIHR's technical assessment team and urge ODIHR, the Advisory and Monitoring Group, and the Parliamentary Troika to issue a single joint statement that speaks frankly to the Belarusian government's record in meeting international election standards.