2003 press releases

U.S. Embassy Statement on Anniversary of 1994 Presidential Election in Belarus (July 10, 2003)

Nine years ago today, Belarus held the last election recognized by the international community as being democratic in character. Relations between Belarus and the rest of the world were excellent and the prospects for progress were great.

Unfortunately, since that time competent international organizations and other experts have concluded that every electoral process conducted in Belarus has failed to meet democratic standards. Belarus' relations with the rest of the world have suffered greatly due to this and other policies and practices that bring about the self-isolation of the country.

The United States Embassy takes the occasion of the anniversary of the 1994 election to urge the Belarusian authorities promptly to take the concrete steps identified by international experts to bring Belarusian electoral processes into line with those applicable throughout the region and with democratic criteria. Leaders who are honestly elected will be respected, and there will be a return to the bright prospects for improved relations between Belarus and the rest of the world that existed when Belarus was on the path to democracy.