Ukrainian Solidarity in Struggle Against Belarusian Dictatorship :: Charter'97 :: News

Ukrainian democratic community launched a campaign of solidarity with the Belarusian opposition. Ukrainian information resource Maidan Inform has received a letter asking for support from the Ukrainian Diaspora in the U.S. to promote a U.S. Congressional Act to help democracy in Belarus.

“Dear Ukrainian friends,
Belarus Democracy Act 2003 was introduced by Congressman Christopher Smith as H.R. 854 in U.S. House of Representatives on February 13, 2003 with Congressmen Hoyer (MD), Hoeffel (PA) and Congresswoman Slaughter (NY) as the original co-sponsors. In order for this much needed Act (BDA 2003) to be passed, it needs a large number of additional co-sponsors. Please write a letter to your Congressman and ask him/ her to cosponsor the bill!!! Thanks in advance to all.”

Here is a sample letter:

“Dear [name],

Two weeks ago Congressman Christopher Smith of New Jersey introduced Bill H.R. 854 “Belarus Democracy Act of 2003”, which is intended to help promote democracy, human rights and the rule of law in Belarus. It also considers sanctions against the regime of Alexander Lukashenka, commonly referred to in the Western press as “the last dictator in Europe”. This regime suppresses independent press, totally controls radio and TV, persecutes journalists, various non-governmental organizations and the democratic opposition.

There is evidence that this regime is responsible for the disappearance of political opponents and for total rigging of elections. It recently adopted the most repressive and discriminatory law on religions in Europe.

What is more alarming, it is also a major arms supplier to the “rogue states” and has recently been training Iraqi anti-aircraft officers.

I hope that you will support H.R. 854 “Belarus Democracy Act of 2003” and become its cosponsor. Belarus deserves to be free and democratic.

Sincerely,

[your name]

[address]

You may forward a letter from the following link:
http://maidan.org.ua/n/news/1047499409