The Situation in Belarus

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. On July 6, the Standing Committee of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly adopted by a vote of 28-4, with 9 abstentions, a procedural motion introduced by the U.S. delegation to suspend a decision on whether to seat the Belarusian National Assembly until the Winter Session in February 2003. A decision on this matter, at that time, is to be based on, at a minimum, cooperation by Belarus with the AMG [OSCE's Advisory and Monitoring Group Mission] and a report of progress from the AMG on the four criteria established by the Parliamentary Troika for Belarus. President Severin announced that this decision was in keeping with the Parliamentary Assembly's Rules of Procedure.

The Parliamentary Assembly also adopted a separate decision expressing concern about the situation in Belarus and calling upon Belarus to cooperate with the OSCE, including the AMG, and to cease the harassment of independent media.

For the record, the U.S. would like to stress its respect for the independence of its parliamentarians and their decisions. At the same time, we note the importance that we attach to the views of our parliamentarians and the support we share for the approach adopted in Berlin on the subject of Belarus.

The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly has opened a window of opportunity to Belarus to realize its objectives in connections with the seat for the National Assembly within a reasonable period of time.

We urge Belarusian authorities to seize this opportunity by forging a resolution of the impasse over the AMG. Further delay only further isolates Belarus and further damages the credibility of the OSCE.