For Immediate Release
Office of the Press secretary
October 20, 2004
Statement on the Belarus Democracy Act of 2004
The Belarus Democracy Act of 2004, which I signed into law earlier
today, will help the cause of freedom in Belarus. This bipartisan
legislation demonstrates America's deep concern over events in Belarus
and a commitment to sustain those Belarusians who must labor in the
shadows to return freedom to their country.
At a time when freedom is advancing around the world, Aleksandr
Lukashenka and his government are turning Belarus into a regime of
repression in the heart of Europe, its government isolated from its
neighbors and its people isolated from each other. We will work with
our allies and partners to assist those seeking to return Belarus to
its rightful place among the Euro-Atlantic community of democracies.
There is no place in a Europe whole and free for a regime of this
kind.
On October 17, Mr. Lukashenka claimed victory for referendum
results that swept away constitutional limits on his term in office.
The referendum campaign and concurrent Parliamentary elections were
conducted in a climate of abuse and fear. OSCE and other observers
have determined that this victory was achieved by fraudulent means.
These actions are the latest in a series of measures designed to
stifle independent voices within Belarus. Since 2001, Belarusian
authorities have systematically repressed independent media, trade
unions, civic organizations, and religious congregations. The
Lukashenka regime has repeatedly responded to the peaceful expression
of opposition with beatings, arrests and, in a number of cases, the
disappearance of opposition leaders.
The Belarus Democracy Act will help us support those within Belarus
who are working toward democracy. We welcome this legislation as a
means to bolster friends of freedom and to nurture the growth of
democratic values, habits, and institutions within Belarus. The fate
of Belarus will rest not with a dictator, but with the students, trade
unionists, civic and religious leaders, journalists, and all citizens
of Belarus claiming freedom for their nation.
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