14 April 2003
U.S., EU Rescind Visa Restrictions on Belarus
(Reeker, April 14: U.S. still concerned over state of democracy in
Belarus) (500)
The United States is joining with 14 member countries of the European
Union in rescinding visa restrictions relating to Belarus, State
Department Deputy Spokesman Philip Reeker announced April 14.
This is being done as Belarus cooperates in establishing the
Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Office in
Minsk, Reeker said.
However, "the United States and the European Union remain seriously
concerned at the continuing deterioration of democracy and respect for
the rule of law in Belarus, as well as its failure to fulfill
international commitments," he said.
Reeker urged Belarus "to undertake a policy of political
liberalization including respect for human rights and religious and
media freedom."
Following is Reeker's statement:
(begin text)
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
April 14, 2003
Statement by Philip T. Reeker, Deputy Spokesman
LIFTING OF BELARUS VISA RESTRICTIONS
The United States Government has decided in tandem with fourteen
member countries of the European Union to rescind visa restrictions
relating to Belarus.
The United States has taken this step in response to Belarus
cooperation in establishing the Organization for Security and
Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Office in Minsk and allowing this office
to carry out its mandate. We expect the Belarus authorities to
continue this cooperation thereby ensuring the necessary conditions
for an effective and unimpeded operation of the OSCE office.
The United States and the European Union remain seriously concerned at
the continuing deterioration of democracy and respect for the rule of
law in Belarus, as well as its failure to fulfill international
commitments. Serious violations of human rights and recurrent
restrictions on fundamental freedoms imposed by the Government of
Belarus are in clear contradiction of internationally accepted
democratic standards.
The United States and the European Union consider the flawed conduct
of local elections on March 2, 2003, and the arrest and imprisonment
of several participants in the recent peaceful demonstrations in Minsk
as further setbacks. We have repeatedly called on the Belarusian
authorities to stop the harassment of opposition politicians,
journalists and intellectuals as well as to improve the media
situation in Belarus and to cooperate with international organizations
in accordance with their international commitments.
The United States urges Belarus to undertake a policy of political
liberalization including respect for human rights and religious and
media freedom. Belarus must make fundamental reforms to strengthen
democratic discourse and the participation of its citizens in the
political process. The United States and the European Union will work
closely with the OSCE and other international partners to contribute
to the development of genuine democracy and respect for human rights
in Belarus. We remain committed to providing support and assistance to
Belarusian civil society. Substantial progress in democratic reform
and respect for fundamental freedoms and human rights will be
considered by the United States and the European Union as a new
starting point for discussions on the improvement of its relations
with Belarus.
(end text)
(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S.
Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
|
NEWSLETTER
|
|
Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list
|
|
|
