2001 press releases

U.S. Statement on Upcoming Presidential Elections in Belarus (June 15, 2001)

The United States notes the fact that Belarus has set September 9, 2001 as a firm date for presidential elections. We view these elections as an important opportunity for Belarus to reverse the process of self-imposed isolation and to begin to restore its proper place in the Euro-Atlantic community. The United States has consistently supported democratic development in Belarus, and is prepared to work with Belarusians of all political groupings, both bilaterally and through the OSCE [Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe], to promote free and fair elections. Key to an open electoral campaign and process are the criteria set forth by the OSCE last year and Belarus' Copenhagen Document commitments. These criteria include an end to the climate of fear, equal access to the state media for all candidates, respect for freedom of assembly, as well as transparency and fairness in registration of candidates and functioning of electoral commissions.

The United States fully supports the OSCE Advisory and Monitoring Group in Belarus and the OSCE's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights as they work to lay the groundwork for the elections, including training domestic observers and organizing an international observation effort. There are many democracy and human rights issues that separate the United States and Belarus, including the unexplained disappearances of opposition political figures over the past two years. Free and fair presidential elections would be an important first step toward addressing these very serious concerns.