2002 press releases

U.S. Government Decries Belarusian Denial of OSCE Adviser's Visa Extension (September 20, 2002)

The government of the United States joins the European Union and the OSCE chairmanship in decrying the decision of the Belarusian authorities to deny a visa extension for the last remaining program staff member of the OSCE Advisory and Monitoring Group (AMG) in Belarus. With the forced departure of AMG staff member Meagan Fitzgerald, a United States citizen, the AMG has reduced its activities to administrative work.

The United States supports the efforts of the Portuguese chairmanship of the OSCE to find a solution to ensure the continuation of the work of the AMG in Belarus and urges the government of Belarus to reconsider its decision.  The recent action by the government of Belarus does not contribute to a constructive resolution of this problem.

The government of the United States calls upon the government of Belarus to comply with its international obligations undertaken within the OSCE.  Failure to do so can only harm the interests of Belarus.

The United States notes with concern the continuing deterioration of conditions with respect to human rights and democracy in Belarus, areas where the AMG can make a crucial contribution. Belarus must return to the path of political liberalization and respect for human rights if it hopes to improve relations with the international community and end its self-imposed isolation.