U.S. Maintains Limited Sanctions Waiver

On November 13, the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control renewed temporary waivers for two companies covered by U.S. sanctions, Polotsk Steklovolokno and Lakokraska. The remainder of sanctions, which were first imposed in 2006, continue in force.

U.S. sanctions are directly linked to the human rights and democracy situation in Belarus. The U.S. introduced these limited sanctions waivers in response to initial positive steps from Belarus a year ago. However, complete removal of U.S. sanctions is only possible with concrete improvements on human rights and democracy in Belarus. The U.S. looks forward to continued steps from the Government of Belarus in these critical areas.

More information on the waivers and the sanctions are available online.

Slide Guitar Virtuoso Performs at Minsk Blues Festival 2009

Renowned Louisiana slide guitarist Sonny Landreth and his band headlined at the annual international Minsk Blues Festival 2009. The band’s performance, sponsored by the U.S. Embassy, was highly praised by the fans and music critics alike, who had long hoped for such a talented blues musician to perform on the same stage with the local established and aspiring blues artists.

In addition to the performance, Mr. Landreth also conducted a master class at the State Academy of Music of Belarus. During the master class, which gathered about a hundred people, he shared some of his guitar tricks and spoke about the philosophy and history of the Mississippi Delta blues. He also answered questions and signed autographs for the audience, which included students, music instructors and some local established musicians.

Warden Message

This Warden Message alerts U.S. citizens to the latest information regarding human cases of 2009-H1N1 influenza, sometimes referred to as novel H1N1 or swine flu.  The Belarus Ministry of Health has reported 85 cases of H1N1 flu in Belarus, including 7 laboratory-confirmed deaths from the H1N1 flu. Belarus health and border officials have publicly reported that Belarus’ borders remain open, but that authorities will monitor travelers for flu symptoms. Hospitals and pharmacies also remain open, but some pharmacies have experienced shortages of flu-related medication and protective masks. | more

U.S. Embassy Accepting Applications for the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation Program

October 19, 2009

The United States Embassy in Belarus is accepting applications for the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation competition. This prestigious U.S. Government program has provided direct grant support for cultural preservation projects throughout the world since 2001.

The competition is open to Belarusian non-governmental organizations, institutions of culture, museums and other establishments.  Funded activities include restoration of historic buildings, assessment and conservation of museum collections, archaeological site preservation, preservation of threatened traditional crafts, song and dance, improved storage conditions for archives and manuscripts, and documentation of indigenous languages.

Organizations interested in submitting applications should contact the U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Section at +375 17 217-0481 or at afcp@usembassy.minsk.by for an electronic version of the application form. The application deadline is December 1, 2009.

Visit by U.S. Government Assistance Coordinator

Statement by the U.S. Embassy
October 2, 2009

Coordinator of U.S. Assistance to Europe and Eurasia Dan Rosenblum is visiting Minsk from September 30-October 3, 2009 to review U.S. Government assistance programs in Belarus.  Mr. Rosenblum is meeting with representatives of the government, business, political parties and civil society to obtain their perspectives on areas of U.S. assistance to Belarus .

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations with Belarus in 1992, the United States has provided assistance in a wide variety of areas, including health, business development, and the non-governmental sector.

Popular Belarusian Band Performs at Embassy-Sponsored Jazz Exhibit

Popular jazz band Pavel Arakelian & The Outsiders entertained guests with classic jazz hits during Jazz Night event organized by the U.S Embassy Minsk and the Minsk Regional Library named after Pushkin. The bandleader not only played jazz music but challenged the guests with a quiz testing their knowledge of the famous jazz tunes and the history of jazz music. More than 150 guests participated in the event, held as part of the two-week exhibit “Jam Session: America’s Jazz Ambassadors Embrace the World”.

The exhibit and related jazz programs continue at the library through Friday, September 25. For more information, please call 8 0172 293-6924.

Assistant Secretary Gordon Concludes Visit To Belarus

Statement  by the U.S. Embassy
August  14, 2009

Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Philip H. Gordon visited Minsk on August 14, 2009 to meet with Belarusian government officials and with a broad spectrum of civil society leaders.
 
Meeting with political party and civil society activists, Mr. Gordon reiterated the U.S. commitment to  human rights and democracy in Belarus.  During discussions with Belarusian government officials, he stressed the U.S. desire to continue to engage Belarus in a mutual effort to improve bilateral relations. Mr. Gordon also consulted with European Union ambassadors on our common approach to Belarus.