Michael Scanlan: United States principled in estimation of situation in Belarus

The United States won’t change its principled position in estimation of respect to human rights in Belarus.

Journalists have been told about that Michael Scanlan, Chargé d'Affaires ad interim of the United States in Belarus at the musical festival “Ambasovishcha” on July 27 in Raubichy.

“No one lived in this house for 2 years. We did not receive signals from the Belarusian side that the situation would change. We have not changed our position concerning the human rights situation in Belarus,” Scanclan said. Since March 2008 the US Embassy in Belarus is headed by Chargé d'Affaires ad interim, after Minsk recalled its ambassador from Washington.

“Actions are louder than words,” Scanlan underlined. “If the government of Belarus wants to cooperate, there should be a step to meet from them. Everyone understands what our abandonment of residence means. We are still devoted to our cause. The US Embassy stays in Minsk and continues its work”.

In November 2007 the US imposed economic sanctions against Belkneftekhim concern because of human rights violations in Belarus. Bilateral relations deteriorated in March 2008 after the authorities of Belarus refused to release political prisoners. Ambassadors of Belarus and the US were recalled from Washington and Minsk for consultations; the staffs of the both embassies were minimized.