Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

The United States is deeply concerned about Belarusian government efforts that we believe contradict its OSCE commitments to respect democratic principles.

Most recently, as noted in the Advisory and Monitoring Group's (AMG) March 26 Spot Report, Belarusian police used disproportionate force to deter citizens from participating in civic events. Several protestors were arrested or beaten. Some were later fined or jailed, including 13th Supreme Soviet Deputy Ludmila Gryaznova. The trial of Belarusian Popular Front Chairman Vyachorka continues. As the AMG report states, the heavy-handed Belarusian government response to this demonstration directly contributes to "further deterioration in the political climate in Belarus."

Mr. Chairman, mass rallies and meetings are a normal part of democratic elections and the freedom of assembly is part of our OSCE commitments. The reluctance of the Belarusian authorities to respect freedom of assembly sends a negative signal regarding their intentions for the forthcoming presidential elections. Such harassment should cease, charges against Mr. Vyachorka should be dismissed, and those jailed should be released.

Other Belarusian Government actions undercut the work of the AMG, in keeping with its mandate, to assist Belarus to develop democratic institutions.

The United States strongly supports the Assistance and Monitoring Group’s support of non-governmental organizations to ensure an objective observation of the entire election process, including the registration of candidates, the activities of the election commissions, the campaigns, the voting procedures and ultimately the counting process.

We consider provision for a truly independent domestic election observation effort an important component for restoring international confidence in Belarus elections. We agree with the AMG that election observation is an appropriate, and indeed an essential, task for civil society. We believe Ambassador Wieck has met his obligation to consult with the Belarusian Government on this important project and that his work should go forward in keeping with the conclusion drawn by you, Mr. Chairman, on February 15.

Decree No. 8, which seeks to regulate the receipt of foreign assistance, is, we believe, at odds with OSCE commitments that Belarus undertook in the Copenhagen and Moscow documents, as well as the Istanbul Charter, to facilitate the ability of non-governmental organizations to conduct their national activities freely.

Furthermore, any efforts to use this decree to interfere with or obstruct election-related activities, including non-partisan training in civic rights by international organizations and voter education programs, would be inconsistent with OSCE commitments and obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) to protect the rights of citizens to partake in democratic political activity.

The United States has repeatedly pledged to respect the outcome of presidential elections in Belarus, if the process were to be free and fair. However, if implemented, Decree No. 8 will effectively prevent Belarus from meeting established international criteria for free and fair elections.

We, therefore, join the European Union and others in calling upon Belarus to demonstrate its commitment to democratic institutions and human rights, as underlined in OSCE documents and the ICCPR, by withdrawing Decree No. 8. Only by doing so will Belarus be able to move forward and to establish conditions for free and fair elections that the international community can welcome and recognize.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.