Editor’s Note: The following statements about the situation in Belarus, where evidence shows that dictator Alexander Lukashenko rigged the Aug. 9 presidential election, were compiled and distributed by Andrij V. Dobriansky, director of communications and media for the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America, a U.S.-based organization that has promoted Ukraine since 1940.
Ukrainian Americans Support the People of Belarus
https://mailchi.mp/2d8b0996a30e/belarus_dayton_statements_2020
The Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA), the largest representation of Americans of Ukrainian descent, condemns the violence and self-evident political repressions against the people of Belarus. Ukrainian Americans stand in solidarity with the people of Belarus and their demands for the immediate release of those wrongfully imprisoned during the peaceful protests for free, fair and democratic elections that reflect the will of the people. As an organization that has monitored numerous Ukrainian elections, it is important to ensure that international observers from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA), the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), the NATO Parliamentary Assembly (NATO PA) and the European Parliament (EP), as well as those from US and Canadian NGOs, are allowed access to election precincts throughout Belarus, without which the votes cast by the Belarusan people cannot be considered free, honest and democratic.
UWC calls on the international community to stand with the people of Belarus
https://www.ukrainianworldcongress.org/news.php/news/2107
The Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) condemns the violence against the citizens of Belarus and appeals to the Belarusian authorities to respect the fundamental human rights and the will of its citizens.
Ukrainians worldwide stand with the people of Belarus as they courageously defend their right for democratic free and transparent elections. “We are deeply troubled by reports of election fraud, suppression of civil society and independent journalism, repressions, and violence against peaceful protesters,” stated UWC President Paul Grod. “We call on the international community to stand with the people of Belarus who have clearly expressed their desire for change, just as the people of Ukraine did during the Revolution of Dignity in 2014.”
The Ukrainian World Congress joins the global voices in support of fundamental and inalienable human rights and freedoms in Belarus. We urge the international community to maintain an unequivocal position in support of the democratic aspirations of the Belarusian people. UWC calls upon the Belarusian authorities to publish the authentic election results and to end all violence and intimidation against peaceful protesters.
Ukrainian Canadian Congress Statement on the Situation in Belarus
https://www.ucc.ca/2020/08/10/statement-on-the-situation-in-belarus-aug-10-2020/
The Ukrainian Canadian Congress is concerned by the violent repression of peaceful demonstrators by the Belarusian regime, following the presidential election on August 9.
We stand with all who demand that the fundamental rights of the Belarusian people to have their voice heard and be respected. Free, fair and democratic elections should reflect the will of the people.
We call for the immediate release of all political prisoners held by the Belarusian regime. The UCC continues to work with the Belarusian community in Canada, and we call for the Government of Canada to take a strong unequivocal position in support of the democratic rights of the Belarusian people.
JBANC Statement on the Situation in Belarus
https://jbanc.org/2020/08/10/jbanc-statement-on-the-situation-in-belarus/
On Sunday, August 9, 2020, presidential elections in Belarus took place. During the electoral campaign, the peaceful mobilization of a significant number of citizens has been met by the Lukashenka regime’s use of violence and detentions of protestors, their supporters, observers, media representatives, and opposition candidates.
Unfortunately, during the last 24 hours, the situation has only escalated further, as has been widely reported by eye-witnesses and media. It has been an ugly show of force and restrictions against free speech and assembly.
The Joint Baltic American National Committee, Inc. (JBANC) stands with the peaceful and freedom-seeking people of Belarus in their struggle for democracy and against Lukashenka’s dictatorship. We fully support the nonviolent assembly of Belarusians, their wish for free and fair elections, and we strongly condemn violence of any kind.
JBANC urges the international community, including the United States, to continue to strongly oppose any violation of the rights of peaceful protesters in Belarus, and to call for the immediate release of anyone who has been wrongly imprisoned during the protests.
State Department Statement on Presidential Elections in Belarus
https://www.state.gov/presidential-elections-in-belarus/
The United States is deeply concerned about the conduct of the August 9 presidential election in Belarus, which was not free and fair. Severe restrictions on ballot access for candidates, prohibition of local independent observers at polling stations, intimidation tactics employed against opposition candidates, and the detentions of peaceful protesters and journalists marred the process. We regret that OSCE/ODIHR observers did not receive a timely invitation to monitor the vote. Free and fair elections, genuinely contested, are the basis for the authority and legitimacy of all governments.
We urge the Belarusian government to respect the rights of all Belarusians to participate in peaceful assembly, refrain from use of force, and release those wrongfully detained. We strongly condemn ongoing violence against protesters and the detention of opposition supporters, as well as the use of internet shutdowns to hinder the ability of the Belarusian people to share information about the election and the demonstrations.
As friends of Belarus, we support Belarusian independence and sovereignty, as well as the aspirations of the Belarusian people for a democratic, prosperous future. To achieve these goals, the Government of Belarus must prove through action its commitment to democratic processes and respect for human rights.
Reps. Engel & McCaul Statement on Belarus Elections and Crackdowns
https://foreignaffairs.house.gov/2020/8/engel-mccaul-statement-on-belarus-elections-and-crackdowns
Representative Eliot L. Engel, Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, and Representative Michael T. McCaul, the Committee’s Ranking Member, today released the following statement about the Lukashenko regime’s violent crackdowns and voter suppression during the Belarussian presidential elections:
“We are deeply disturbed by the violent arrests and crackdowns on peaceful protestors, democratic activists, and journalists at the hands of Belarussian authorities, both in uniform and plainclothes. Instead of an election that was rigged from the start, the Belarussian people deserve to choose their own representation and to be free from fear and violence when exercising those fundamental rights.
“We stand with those who are bravely risking their safety to push for a free and democratic nation and call on President Alexander Lukashenko to end these senseless acts of violence. Belarus’ sovereignty and independence can only be strengthened if its government fully embraces the democratic principles that its people have flooded into the streets to demand.”
Chairman Risch: Belarusians Deserve A Fair Accounting Of Presidential Election
U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today released the following statement in response to the arrest of and violence against Belarusian protestors by military units and riot police after Alexander Lukashenka claimed to have won a landslide victory in Belarus’ presidential election over the weekend:
“Over the weekend, the people of Belarus attempted to participate in a democratic process, and expected their votes to be counted truthfully and their choice of leadership honored. That President Lukashenka has chosen to respond to his opposition and protestors with violence and repression is unconscionable. Mr. Lukashenka should allow a true accounting of yesterday’s ballot, and stand down if, as reports indicate, he was not democratically reelected. He should also immediately cease the suppression of the media, internet blackouts, and the arrests of and violence against those who are pursuing another path for Belarus. A peaceful transition of power is vital to the future of Belarus and its sovereignty.”
Ranking Member Menendez Condemns Conduct of Election in Belarus
U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today issued the following statement condemning the widespread irregularities surrounding Sunday’s elections in Belarus:
“Alexander Lukashenka is living up to his reputation as the last dictator in Europe. Sunday’s ‘election’ was a sham and a tragedy for the Belarusian people who have risked so much for freedom. The government’s ongoing crackdown on the democratic opposition, as well as the arrest of American citizen Vitaly Shklyarov, is a calamity and completely unacceptable. Now more than ever, the international community must not waver in our steadfast support for democracy, human rights and the aspirations of the Belarusan people who deserve so much more from their elected representatives.
“In that vein, the Trump administration must make it clear that any recent gains in the U.S.-Belarus bilateral relationship will not carry currency unless the Belarusian authorities count Sunday’s ballots accurately or rerun this election under internationally accepted, democratic standards. If this violent assault on democratic values continues, it is my expectation for the United States and Europe to swiftly reimpose sanctions on Lukashenka and his associates.”
Senate Passes Durbin, Rubio, Cardin Bipartisan Resolution
Calling For Free, Fair, & Transparent Election In Belarus
The U.S. Senate passed a bipartisan resolution, introduced by U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Marco Rubio (R-FL), and Ben Cardin (D-MD), which calls for a free, fair, and transparent presidential election in Belarus taking place on August 9, 2020, including the unimpeded participation of all presidential candidates. Long-term strongman Alyaksandr Lukashenko has ruled Belarus as an undemocratic dictatorship amid a series of flawed elections going back to 1994. In the most recent 2010 and 2015 presidential elections, Lukashenko arbitrarily disqualified or jailed key opponents in the days ahead of the elections. And he is doing so again this election.
“I will never forget visiting in January 2011 with the families of opposition candidates jailed by Lukashenko for having the temerity to run against him in the sham presidential election just the month before,” Durbin said. “That the Last Dictator of Europe continues to so brazenly rob his people of the basic freedoms enjoyed by the rest of Europe is a tragedy that must be condemned. Unanimous passage of this resolution shows that the United States Senate stands with the brave people of Belarus in their hopes for a more democratic country.”
“The world will be watching closely as Belarus holds its presidential election this Sunday. I thank my Senate colleagues for passing this important resolution that calls for Belarus to hold a free, fair, and transparent election that adheres to international standards,” Rubio said. “The U.S. Senate is sending a strong message of support to the people of Belarus.”
“As the world watches Belarus’ election this weekend, the Senate’s passage of this resolution demonstrates that the U.S. Senate stands with the Belarusian people in saying enough is enough,” said Cardin. “For 26 years, Lukashenko has silenced political opponents, suffocated the freedom of speech, and manipulated elections. He is trying to do this once again, with police arresting more than 1,360 opposition protestors since May. But the Belarusian people deserve what their other European neighbors have: free, fair, and transparent elections.”
Joe Biden Statement on Elections in Belarus
https://medium.com/@JoeBiden/my-statement-on-elections-in-belarus-ef441389fac6
Democracies are built on the simple concept that citizens have a right to elect their leaders and have a say in their country’s future. After suffering systematic repression for the past 26 years under the authoritarian regime of President Alexander Lukashenka, the people of Belarus are demanding their voices be heard.
After a presidential election marred by electoral fraud, citizens peacefully protesting to demand an accurate vote count are now being met with riot police using stun grenades, tear gas, and rubber bullets. The Lukashenka regime has cut internet access, arrested protesters and independent journalists, and tried to muzzle foreign observers. These are not the actions of a political leader confident that he has won a fairly conducted election. But thanks to brave citizens — journalists, activists, and ordinary people documenting these extraordinary events — we know the truth about the assaults on democracy being committed by the regime.
I stand with those who are calling for a transparent and accurate vote count and the release of all political prisoners. I also call on President Lukashenka to respect the rights of peaceful protestors and to refrain from further violence. My administration will never shy away from standing up for democratic principles and human rights, and we will work with our democratic allies and partners to speak with one voice in demanding these rights be respected.
Statement by Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, Poland and Ukraine – Lublin Triangle
As Foreign Ministers of Lublin Triangle States, we are deeply concerned with escalation of the situation in Belarus after the presidential elections and call upon the authorities to refrain from the use of force and to release all those detained last night.
Respect for fundamental freedoms and human rights, including democracy and rule of law, is essential for further development of independent and sovereign Belarus, which we fully support.
We are confident that only by means of dialogue the current situation can be resolved for the benefit of the people and the state of Belarus.
In case of the need, we are open for any assistance or good offices in facilitating this dialogue.
The well-being and prosperity of Belarus and its people are important for the entire Europe and specifically our region. We are all interested in continuing mutually beneficial dialogue as well as cooperation based upon democratic values and focused on creating conditions for a common and stable future.
Statement of the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs concerning elections in Belarus
The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs notes that the presidential elections in Belarus on 9 August have not been held in conformity with the OSCE standards. We call on the Belarusian Government and law enforcement authorities to respect civil liberties of Belarusian people and their right to freely express their political opinion. The use of force against peaceful protesters is unacceptable. The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs calls for an immediate release of the detained participants of protests.
Latvia regrets that international observers from the OSCE and the Council of Europe have not been able to participate in monitoring of the elections. The work of the mass media in covering the election process has also been restricted.
It is deplorable that several presidential candidates had been denied the possibility of registering their candidacy for the election.
A positive development of relations between the EU and Belarus is only possible through observing fundamental democratic rights and freedoms. Latvia, being a neighbour to Belarus, is interested in such development.
Statement by Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Reinsalu regarding the Belarusian presidential elections
The situation which has developed in Belarus following the elections is worrying. We condemn all political repressions and violence against the Belarusian opposition.
The peaceful protests organised by the opposition were violently suppressed. According to independent sources, one person has died and dozens have been injured as a result of these clashes. Estonia calls upon the Belarusian authorities to halt all use of force and repressions against protesters. Instead of violence, the Belarusian authorities must enter into peaceful discussions with the citizens and restore their trust.
Preserving freedom of expression and assembly in Belarus is of the utmost importance.
It is regrettable that observers from the OSCE ODIHR, the Parliamentary Assembly of the OSCE and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe were not able to observe the Belarusian presidential elections. Based on the assessment of independent sources, the elections cannot be considered free, honest and democratic.
Estonia supports Poland’s call to convene an extraordinary session of the European Council in order to discuss the Belarusian elections.
