2001 Policy Archive

Secretary of State Powell's Message on 10th Anniversary of Belarus Independence (Aug. 25, 2001)

Belarus' August 25, 1991 declaration of independence from the Soviet Union filled Americans with hope and admiration.

We witnessed Belarus rapidly take its rightful place in Europe through ratification of the START Treaty, accession to the Non-Proliferation Treaty, and removal of all former Soviet nuclear weapons; through its active membership in NATO's Partnership for Peace; and through its policy to help build a Europe of democratic, truly independent countries free of dividing lines.

We were pleased to support the Belarusian people as they worked hard during those first years after 1991 to strengthen their independence , create a democratic political system and rule of law, revive their rich culture, undertake difficult market reforms, and foster an open society. Our support for Belarus and its people as they moved forward was reflected in the highest-level contacts between our two countries, including President Clinton's visit in January 1994.

Material assistance in support of Belarus' transition to democracy was, and has continued to be, generous as well. Since the beginning of 1992 the United States has provided more than $560 million in a broad range of public and private assistance to the Belarusian people, including more than $24 million in the past year.

Thus the commitment of the United States to the Belarusian people and to their desire for independence and democracy has remained vigorous and direct.  We would welcome the opportunity to continue growing our bilateral relations in the same way.

Regrettably, since 1996 the Belarusian regime has chosen to abandon the transition to democracy and the rule of law. The regime has harassed civil society. It has constantly violated human rights and other commitments and obligations which Belarus accepted as an OSCE participating state and signatory of the Vienna Convention.  Its policies have led to retrogression in economic policy and performance, with attendant pauperization and decline in public health standards.  It has tried—in vain—to stir up hostility toward Euro-Atlantic institutions.  In short, the regime's policies have prevented the United States and other OSCE participating states from being able to develop bilateral relations fruitfully and normally.

What will it take to put our bilateral relations back on a strong footing?

The answer is simple, and one which we continue to state to the Belarusian authorities, to the citizens of Belarus, and in international fora. The United States is prepared to resume productive bilateral relations; to restart high-level contacts; and to encourage greater two-way political, trade, investment, and military contacts.  However, we are prepared to do so only if the Belarusian authorities adhere to the standards Belarus accepted as an OSCE participating state and UN member state. Among others these standards include free, fair and democratic electoral processes; respect for civil society and human rights; and rule of law.

The Belarusian authorities know the specific steps they need to take to meet their OSCE commitments and to have the results of the upcoming presidential election recognized as valid.  The OSCE, United States, EU, and most recently the Chairman of the Russian Central Election Commission have spelled out what the authorities need to do to bring their electoral process into conformity with OSCE standards.

The Belarusian authorities' failure to take these steps in a timely, consequential, and serious way will not deter us from continuing to expand our contacts directly with the Belarusian people. But this failure will condemn the current regime to remain the lone outlaw in Europe.

We thus express our hope that the Belarusian authorities will work with the citizenry of Belarus to return their country to the path it began to tread so resolutely on August 25, 1991.