Lyavon Barshcheuski: “Belarus Democracy Act should continue to work”

Ahead of the US presidential elections, leader of the Belarusian Popular Front Party Lyavon Barshcheuski told in an interview to Radio Svaboda that the United States should continue the former course towards Belarus.

“The course, principle for violation of human rights in Belarus. So, they should measure possibilities of cooperation with the authorities by this. It is the most important. Of course, the Belarus Democracy Act should continue to work until this democracy comes to us,” Lyavon Barshcheuski said.

It should be reminded that George Bush, President of the United States signed the Belarus Democracy Act on 20 October, 2004. This Act has become a main document defining relations of the US to the Lukashenka’s regime, provides imposing sanctions against Belarus by the US in case the Belarusian authorities refuse to stop persecution of the opposition and independent media, investigate politically motivated disappearances of people.

A number of Belarusian officials are banned entry to the US, strategic export in Belarus and state investments are also banned, and measures on reducing financial aid to Belarus from international financial institutions were taken. The Act also provides to report on arms sales by Belarus to state sponsors of terrorism and on the personal wealth and assets of Lukashenka and senior Belarus officials. The document also expresses support of Belarusian democratic forces and independent press.

The full text of the Belarus democracy Act is available HERE.