2002 press releases

U.S. Calls Actions Against Lebedko "Politically Motivated Persecution" (November 12, 2002)

The U.S. Government deplores the recent actions of the Belarus KGB against United Civil Party leader and former Supreme Soviet member Anatoly Lebedko, in which the KGB whisked him away after his meeting with U.S. Embassy officials and took him to KGB headquarters.  These actions constitute politically-motivated persecution, and are unacceptable in democratic countries. We will be monitoring the KGB's conduct toward Mr. Lebedko closely.

Furthermore, the accusations involving Mr. Lebedko and the U.S. Embassy are ridiculous.  It is the internationally recognized work of diplomats to meet with a broad range of political figures, whether members of the government or of the opposition, in order to better understand the host country and to explain U.S. policies.  In a democratic country, his relationship with us would be considered normal as well.  To promote the bilateral relationship and to support democratization, we have a number of exchange and educational programs, including that of the Marshall Center in Europe, to which we send both private and official representatives. In the last two years alone, more than half of our adult exchange visitors have been affiliated with state institutions.  Our assistance program is open and transparent.  We deplore efforts by the authorities to discourage open and appropriate contacts between Belarusian citizens and our Embassy.