Chargé d'Affaires Michael Scanlan remarks at the Opening of the Ambasovishcha 2010 Music Festival

Raubichi, Belarus
July 27, 2010

Dear guests, friends and colleagues!
Welcome to the Ambasovishcha 2010 music festival. Thank you all for coming here today.

And my special thanks to those who have come the longest way of us all — the American band “The Bishops” from the state of Nebraska.

The history of Ambasovishcha is full of wonderful moments. But it has not only been about fun. When some of you were banned from playing at local venues and on the air, it was a statement that all of you, as musicians and citizens of your country, have the right to share your music with others and be heard.

Over the years, this residence has been honored to host the performances of many bands totaling several dozens in all.  Some of them worked to preserve the rich Belarusian musical heritage, some worked to expand the music horizons and take the Belarusian sound into the third millennium. Be it lyre or electric guitar, zhaleyka or state-of-the-art synthesizer—it all comes down to talent and passion.

I am proud to be continuing the tradition set by my predecessors.  But regrettably, at the end of the festival today I will not be able to say to you, “same place, next year.”  As you may know, the U.S. Embassy has been without an Ambassador and thirty of its diplomats for more than two years following the restriction of personnel imposed by the Belarusian authorities on us for our principled position on Human Rights including freedom of expression.  Instead of compromising on those principles we have elected to forgo the use of this house.  The Embassy will stay and the work it does will continue, but the house will be released next month. This residence has been home to many receptions and events, Ambasovishcha of course the liveliest and the loudest of all.  

Today I hope you will have a lot of fun as we have put our hearts into preparing this event. So, let me formally announce that Ambasovishcha 2010 is now open.