U.S. Welcomes Agreement to Open OSCE Office in Belarus :: Charter'97 :: News

The United States would like to recognize the efforts of the Chair, the Secretariat and Belarus to forge agreement on an OSCE Office in Belarus in accordance with OSCE principles and commitments. The decision we have just adopted reaffirms the vital role the OSCE will play in promoting democratic institutions, civil society, and respect for OSCE principles and commitments as well as monitoring and reporting on this process.

It also provides a basis for the OSCE to accomplish its work by establishing that OSCE objectives and relevant procedures will guide the implementation of projects and programs relevant to fulfillment of the mandate.
We consider this decision an important first step towards reestablishing a constructive relationship between Belarus and the OSCE.
Real progress, however, will depend on cooperation on the ground that reflects respect for the work of the OSCE Office in Minsk. This includes, by necessity, accreditation and deployment of international staff on a priority basis.
We look forward to a normalization of the relationship between Belarus and the OSCE including reports of activities that contribute to and reinforce respect for OSCE commitments. Such progress will play an important role in the reassessment of the relationship between the United States and Belarus.
United States Mission to the OSCE, Vienna, December 30, 2002