2001 Policy Archive

U.S. Mission to OSCE Statement on Belarus (May 10, 2001)

Delivered by Ambassador David T. Johnson to the Permanent Council

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

The United States would like to reaffirm its strong support for the work of Ambassador Wieck and the Advisory and Monitoring Group (AMG) in implementing its mandate to assist Belarus in the development of democratic institutions.

As Belarus heads toward presidential elections, the AMG's work assumes increasing importance. Pressure against and obstruction of the work of the AMG, that entity that most symbolically represents our organization and the promise it holds out to Belarus, are unacceptable.

We call on the authorities in Belarus to cooperate fully with Ambassador Wieck, the AMG and all OSCE institutions, including ODIHR and the Representative for Freedom of the Media.

The Chair's letter to Belarus noted constructively the areas in which progress must occur for the conduct of free and fair elections. We had hoped cooperation would characterize the Belarusian response to an appeal by the OSCE Chair, the most visible representative of this Permanent Council. We regret the hostile tone that has been taken by the Belarusian Foreign Minister in his response. Similarly, we regret the announcement of Decree 11 that places new "legal" limits on freedom of assembly. This decree represents one more step away from the necessary conditions for free and fair elections that can be recognized as such by the international community.

Finally, Mr. Chairman, I would like to turn our attention to those who have disappeared in Belarus, a subject we cannot allow to drop.

On May 7, 1999, General Zakharenko, former Minister of Internal Affairs, disappeared while walking near his home and has not been heard from since. He was dismissed from his cabinet post four years earlier. At the time of his disappearance, he was a leading activist in an alternative presidential election campaign.

The United States is deeply concerned that in the two years since he vanished, Belarusian authorities have made no serious attempt to investigate his case or the subsequent disappearances of Deputy Parliamentary Chairman Gonchar, his associate Anatoly Krasovsky, or TV cameraman Zavadsky.

The families of the disappeared and the people of Belarus have a right to know the truth about what has happened. We again urge the Belarusian authorities to investigate expeditiously, thoroughly, and openly all the disappearances. We need to reassure the families that they and their loved ones have not been forgotten.

Finally, Mr. Chairman, I would like to commend you and your colleagues for keeping Belarus, and support for the field mission that represents our organization there, high on your list of priorities. It is apparent that with presidential elections looming, Belarus is at a crossroads. Your constant attention to the state of human rights conditions in Belarus will assume a key role in guiding our collective efforts there.

Thank you.

Right of Reply

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

I beg my colleagues' indulgence for taking the floor again, but having spoken first there was one item that you raised and then others raised afterwards that I thought I should comment on and, as a courtesy to our Belarusian colleague, should do so before he spoke.

You and others have raised the question and the possibility of a visit by the Chairman-in-Office to Belarus. When we discussed this issue at the meeting we had with Ambassador Wieck last week, I made several points with respect to that. If I could reiterate my view once more: such a visit -- to be successful -- would have to be extremely well-prepared and include, at a minimum, a meeting with the Head of Government in the presence of Ambassador Wieck as well as meetings with opposition leaders. I understand that you and others consider this a matter of urgency and I would ask that you would continue to consult with the members of the Council as you consider how best to proceed on this issue.

Thank you.