[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 89 (Friday, June 28, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1176]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 INTRODUCTION OF BELARUS DEMOCRACY ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. CHRISTOPHER H. SMITH

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 27, 2002

  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I am introducing today the 
Belarus Democracy Act of 2002, which is intended to help promote 
democratic development, human rights and the rule of law in the 
Republic of Belarus, as well as encourage the consolidation and 
strengthening of Belarus' sovereignty and independence. When measured 
against other European countries, the state of human rights in Belarus 
is abysmal--it has the worst record of any European state.
  Through an illegitimate 1996 referendum, Alexander Lukashenka usurped 
power, while suppressing the duly-elected legislature and the 
judiciary. His regime has blatantly and repeatedly violated basic 
freedoms of speech, expression, assembly, association and religion. The 
fledgling democratic opposition, non-governmental organizations and 
independent media have all faced harassment. There are credible 
allegations of Lukashenka regime involvement in the disappearances--in 
1999 and 2000--of opposition members and a journalist. There is growing 
evidence that Belarus is a leading supplier of lethal military 
equipment to rogue states. A draft bill is making its way in the 
Belarusian legislature that would restrict non-traditional religious 
groups. Several days ago, on June 24, two leading journalists were 
sentenced to two and 2\1/2\ years, respectively, of ``restricted 
freedom'' for allegedly slandering the Belarusian President.
  Despite efforts by Members of Congress, the Helsinki Commission which 
I co-chair, the State Department, various American NGOS, the 
Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and other 
European organizations, the regime of Alexander Lukashenka continues 
its hold onto power with impunity and to the detriment of the 
Belarusian people.
  One of the primary purposes of this bill is to demonstrate U.S. 
support for those struggling to promote democracy and respect for human 
rights in Belarus despite the formidable pressures they face from the 
anti-democratic regime. The bill authorizes increases in assistance for 
democracy-building activities such as support for non-governmental 
organizations, independent media--including radio and television 
broadcasting to Belarus, and international exchanges. The bill also 
encourages free and fair parliamentary elections, conducted in a manner 
consistent with international standards--in sharp contrast to recent 
parliamentary and presidential elections in Belarus which most 
assuredly did not meet democratic standards. As a result of these 
elections, Belarus has the distinction of lacking legitimate 
presidential and parliamentary leadership, which contributes to that 
country's self-imposed isolation.
  In addition, this bill would impose sanctions against the Lukashenka 
regime, and deny highranking officials of the regime entry into the 
United States. Strategic exports to the Belarusian Government would be 
prohibited, as well as U.S. Government financing, except for 
humanitarian goods and agricultural or medical products. The U.S. 
Executive Directors of the international financial institutions would 
be encouraged to vote against financial assistance to the Government of 
Belarus except for loans and assistance that serve humanitarian needs.
  The bill would require reports from the President concerning the sale 
or delivery of weapons or weapons-related technologies from Belarus to 
rogue states.
  Mr. Speaker, finally, it is my hope that this bill will help put an 
end to the pattern of clear, gross and uncorrected violations of OSCE 
commitments by the Lukashenka regime and will serve as a catalyst to 
facilitate Belarus' integration into democratic Europe in which 
democratic principles and human rights are respected and the rule of 
law prevails.

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