Michael Scanlan: Long Live Belarus!

Chargé d'Affaires ad interim of the United States in Belarus made a toast to the democratic future of our countries.

During the celebration of the 236th anniversary of the United States' independence, Michael Scanlan first recalled the names of the outstanding Belarusians, who did a lot to their country's benefit. He also recalled some facts from the Belarusian history which essentially influenced the process of formation of the American society.

Scanlan: "The history of America is in a certain sense the history of immigrants in the better future. Such Belarusians as Tadeucz Kasciuszka, David Sarmas, Boris Kit helped to build up my country, led by the strive for changes. Common values unite the American and the Belarusian culture. For example, Belarus was the first country to facilitate the freedom of confession. This was an exceptional case in Europe in the XVI century. The Statute of the Great Duchy of Lithuania was essential for the supremacy of law, while the Magdeburg right gave the citizens an opportunity to rule their cities by themselves".

However, today, the diplomat says, our relations are far from ideal. Although the United States of America have always done their best to build up the relations basing on the common values, which used to be shared by Belarus in its "undoubtedly European past", according to Scanlan.

Scanlan: "Back in 2010 we hoped that Belarus was gradually returning to these values. For example, that December the Belarusian government admitted in the common statement with the USA that "more respect to human rights in Belarus is vitally important for the development of the country and its citizens". We saw signs of liberalization in 2010, alongside with the more open, at least in the beginning, presidential electoral campaign. However, the repressions which have started right after the election and haven't stopped till today, demolished these hopes".

He expressed his regret that some guests could not join the celebration as they were "unfairly imprisoned". He also said he hoped that "Belarus will return to the common values which it used to share in its honourable past".

Scanlan: "Today these principles are realized in democracy, free market, active civil society, with such basic rights as freedom of gatherings and press".

In several weeks, Chargé d'Affaires ad interim of the United States in Belarus Michael Scanlan will leave our country. The diplomat promises that he will keep good memories about Belarus and the people whom he met here forever.

Scanlan:  "Hundreds of Belarusians that I've met - they show an obvious example of an unlimited talent. I sincerely hope that there will be the time when the system of Belarus will change and your talents will be appreciated and used. I suggest a toast - to the U.S. independence and Belarus' freedom. Long Live Belarus!"