2001 press releases

U.S. Response to OSCE Chairman-in-Office Geoana (January 11, 2001)

...Mr. Minister, we share your strong support for the Advisory and Monitoring Group (AMG) in Belarus. We remain deeply concerned about: the failure of the government in Belarus to resolve the disappearances of Interior Minister Zakharenko, who disappeared on May 7, 1999; Deputy Parliamentary Chairman Gonchar and Anatoly Krasovsky, who disappeared on September 16, 1999; and Belarusian journalist Zavadskiy, who disappeared six months ago on July 7, 2000. We are also troubled by the most recent government actions against free media such as the failure to renew the transmitter license for Belarus' large independent TV station and effective censorship of an article in the country's leading independent newspaper.

The forthcoming presidential elections will provide another opportunity for Belarus to demonstrate its commitment to OSCE principles, particularly with respect to creation of an environment for free elections that includes respect for human rights and the rule of law. With this in mind, we would be interested in your views about the kind of role that the OSCE might play to support a domestic observation effort and through its election expertise.