Occupied by the Russian empire since the end of the 18th century, Belarus declared a short-lived National Republic in 1918, only to be forcibly absorbed into the Soviet Union. It became independent in 1991. Since 1994, it has been run by authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko. Under Lukashenko, U.S.-Belarusian relations have remained at a low level. After a presidential election in 2006 that violated international norms and was neither free nor fair, the United States and the European Union implemented travel restrictions and targeted financial sanctions on nine state-owned entities and 16 individuals (including Lukashenko). In 2008, after the United States tightened sanctions due to worsening human rights abuses, Belarus expelled the U.S. ambassador—a position that has remained vacant—and 30 out of 35 U.S. diplomats. In August 2015, Lukashenka released all six of Belarus’ political prisoners. In response, the United States provided limited sanctions relief, suspending sanctions on state-owned entities. Since sanctions relief began, Belarus has taken some steps to improve democracy and human rights. Increased bilateral engagement depends on Belarus making additional progress on human rights and democracy issues. U.S. Government assistance to Belarus focuses on expanding democratic rights and fundamental freedoms and promoting a market economy by strengthening the private sector and stimulating entrepreneurship.
On February 28, 2022, the U.S. Embassy in Minsk suspended operations. Although Embassy operations have been suspended, as Special Envoy Ambassador Fisher stated:“The United States will not be deterred from its commitment to helping advance democracy and human rights in Belarus and to supporting the aspirations of the Belarusian people to build a more promising future in a free and independent Belarus, nor will these recent measures cause us to abandon the outreach and engagement that have benefitted the Belarusian people and which have advanced the relations between our citizens.” The State Department, therefore, continues to provide information on our outreach and engagement efforts on the Embassy website.
Source:
United States Department of State, Office of the Historian and Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs.
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Regarding the provided article about Belarus and its relations with the United States, let's break down the concepts and terms mentioned:
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Russian Empire and Belarus: Occupied by the Russian Empire since the late 18th century, Belarus struggled for independence and declared a short-lived National Republic in 1918. However, it was absorbed into the Soviet Union and remained under Soviet control until declaring independence in 1991 following the dissolution of the USSR.
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Alexander Lukashenko: Lukashenko has been the authoritarian President of Belarus since 1994. His rule has been characterized by tight control over political opposition, limitations on press freedom, and allegations of human rights abuses.
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U.S.-Belarus Relations: Tensions between the United States and Belarus escalated after the controversial presidential election in 2006, deemed neither free nor fair by international standards. Consequently, the U.S. and the European Union imposed travel restrictions and financial sanctions on Belarusian entities and individuals, including President Lukashenko.
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Sanctions and Diplomatic Actions: The U.S. tightened sanctions due to human rights abuses, leading to the expulsion of the U.S. ambassador and diplomats by Belarus in 2008. However, in 2015, Belarus released political prisoners, prompting limited sanctions relief from the U.S. This was accompanied by some improvements in Belarus concerning democracy and human rights.
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U.S. Government Assistance and Engagement: The United States aims to support Belarus in expanding democratic rights, fostering a market economy, and promoting fundamental freedoms through government assistance programs. Even after the suspension of the U.S. Embassy's operations in Minsk in February 2022, the U.S. remains committed to advancing democracy and human rights in Belarus.
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Belarusian-U.S. Engagement and Outreach: Despite the suspension of Embassy operations, the U.S. continues its efforts to engage with Belarus, support the aspirations of the Belarusian people for a free and independent country, and build better relations between citizens.
This article reflects the complex political landscape in Belarus, highlighting its historical context, authoritarian governance under Lukashenko, strained relations with the United States due to human rights concerns, and ongoing efforts to support democracy and engagement between the two nations.
