1998 press releases

On June 22, the Government of Belarus was informed that U.S. Ambassador Daniel Speckhard has been recalled to Washington for consultations. Ambassador Speckhard and his family left Minsk today. This action was taken in response to the Belarusian Government's violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. Ambassadors of the European Union (EU) and other countries represented in Minsk have also been recalled. This unified stance reflects the view of the international community that the Belarusian government's actions are totally unacceptable.

The United States also informed the Belarusian government that it would be inappropriate for the Belarusian ambassador to the United States to return to Washington until further notice.

We are taking these actions because the Government of Belarus on Friday, June 19, blocked vehicular access and cut off utilities to the Drozdy neighborhood where Ambassador Speckhard and other ambassadors live. These actions, ostensibly for the purpose of repairing utilities, were unnecessary and represent a deliberate effort of the Belarusian government to remove ambassadors from their legitimate residences. Repeated efforts over the past two months, including stern warnings last week to the Belarusian government, were rejected. The Belarusian actions clearly violate the Vienna Convention and respective leases, and have further damaged relations with the United States and other countries and will further isolate Belarus from the international community.

Ambassador Speckhard's recall does not mean the United States has broken diplomatic relations with Belarus. Embassy Minsk remains open and will continue to offer full services, including consular services to U.S. citizens. Non-immigrant visa services of Belarus will remain available as well.