1999 press releases

Return of U.S. Ambassador To Belarus (September 14, 1999)

The Department announces the return of the U.S. Ambassador to Belarus, Daniel Speckhard, to his post in Minsk. Ambassador Speckhard was recalled to Washington in June 1998 after he was evicted from his residence in violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and a bilateral U.S.-Belarus agreement on leasing the residence. Ambassador Speckhard's return follows successful negotiatons that resulted in new Belarusian assurances that commitments under the Vienna Convention will be upheld as well as a commitment to compensation to the United States for losses sustained as a result of Belarus' action. We made clear from the beginning that progress in these two areas was essential to allow us to send our Ambassador back to Minsk on a permanent basis.

Ambassador Speckhard is returning at an important time when the OSCE is attempting to initiate a dialogue between the Belarusian government and opposition on the conduct of free and fair elections and the strengthening of democratic institutions in Belarus. He is returning during a difficult period in Belarus' history, marked by negative trends, which include a clampdown on dissent, on independent political organizations, and intimidation of opposition political leaders and the media, and the end of the term of office to which President Lukashenko was elected in 1994. Having Ambassador Speckhard back in Minsk will enable us more effectively to promote democracy and human rights, help those who support and work for the restoration of democratic rule, and promote other mutual interests that we have in Belarus.